as in argues
to state (something) as a reason in support of or against something under consideration
can I plead temporary insanity for having made that foolish decision?
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Recent Examples of pleads
Stiffler pleads to fight against tax increases, scrutinizing incoming land developers, and back law enforcement if voted onto the council, her campaign site says.
—
Pj Green
october 20, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2025
Damages Claim of $65 million The complaint pleads federal claims—asserting violations of the Fourth, Sixth and 14th Amendments—and state-law claims that include false arrest, malicious prosecution, assault and battery, defamation, and negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
When the man, James, is pronounced dead nine days later, Jacob pleads guilty to manslaughter and receives 30 months in prison — a sentencing that feels much too light for James’ parents, Joan (Tony winner Victoria Clark) and David (Sam Robards).
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025
Demerzel could not break free of her programming; Day pleads for a freedom not granted.
—Jp Mangalindan, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
If her best friend, Enid (Emma Myers), pleads with her to consider the fates of her fellow students before running off to play detective, Wednesday will certainly ignore her.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025
As Eva finds a new home and community, Matt pleads with Mia, Chilmark’s leader, to be allowed to travel.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
The 2010 track, which was featured on the album of the same name, Swift pleads with her ex-boyfriend to walk out on his wedding.
—Daniela Avila, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Fentanyl kingpin pleads guilty to flooding the United States with killer drug.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025
Pj Green
october 20, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2025
Damages Claim of $65 million The complaint pleads federal claims—asserting violations of the Fourth, Sixth and 14th Amendments—and state-law claims that include false arrest, malicious prosecution, assault and battery, defamation, and negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
When the man, James, is pronounced dead nine days later, Jacob pleads guilty to manslaughter and receives 30 months in prison — a sentencing that feels much too light for James’ parents, Joan (Tony winner Victoria Clark) and David (Sam Robards).
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025
Demerzel could not break free of her programming; Day pleads for a freedom not granted.
—Jp Mangalindan, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
If her best friend, Enid (Emma Myers), pleads with her to consider the fates of her fellow students before running off to play detective, Wednesday will certainly ignore her.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025
As Eva finds a new home and community, Matt pleads with Mia, Chilmark’s leader, to be allowed to travel.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
The 2010 track, which was featured on the album of the same name, Swift pleads with her ex-boyfriend to walk out on his wedding.
—Daniela Avila, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Fentanyl kingpin pleads guilty to flooding the United States with killer drug.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pleads
Verb
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As Nicholas Royle argues, the scene of Cinna’s death can easily be treated as a version of Julius Caesar in miniature.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
23 Oct. 2025
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Colombia also argues that the river boundary has shifted, placing Santa Rosa in its territory.—
Isa Cardona,
CNN Money,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Price contends the Jameson portion of the USGS report is outdate and inaccurate, pointing to a much more recent 2025 third-party review from Sproule ERCE energy consultants that estimates the Jameson basin could hold 9 billion net barrels of recoverable crude oil.—
Jordan Blum,
Fortune,
22 Oct. 2025
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First, the union contends that the employees hired after the equity increase was made have no obligation to repay any money.—
Richard Halstead,
Mercury News,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But Epstein insists the new luxury club won’t reduce general admission space, and renderings show the structure will rise above the existing grounds on the Turn 1 hill.—
Patrick Iversen,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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O’Dowd insists that government intervention is needed.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The complaint asserts that the transfer was a deliberate attempt to disrupt Holt’s legal advocacy on behalf of himself and other inmates.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
22 Oct. 2025
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And Doctorow asserts Amazon began charging merchants junk fees.—
NPR,
NPR,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pleads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pleads. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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