pleads

verb

present tense third-person singular of plead
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?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pleads Social media erupts over cancellation, pleads to Mamdani Since the cancellation was announced, social media was inundated with posts in support of the show, with some even reaching out to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to intervene and save it. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 But what Angel City really needs now are different results, because another losing record and another season without a playoff trip won’t be seen as a sign of progress no matter how much Parsons pleads for patience. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Rather than attacking the other woman, Parton pleads with her and openly acknowledges her beauty. — Holly Alvarado, Oc Register, 25 Aug. 2026 As previously announced, Ulrich plays the enigmatic and manipulative cult leader, who pleads insanity and claims to be taking his commands directly from God. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026 In one shot captured on video, a victim appears to crouch down with his hands up and apparently pleads for their life, Philadelphia Police Capt. — Kelsie Cairns , Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Once Mangione pleads guilty, his lawyers could then ask the judge in the state case to throw out those charges on double jeopardy grounds. — Michael R. Sisak, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026 Daemon, on Ceraxes, tracks down his daughter on Sheepstealer and pleads with her again to remain hidden or avail herself of Rhaenyra’s mercy. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026 The former president pleads not guilty to 34 felony charges of falsifying business records stemming from his hush payment to Daniels. — Jessie Dimartino, ABC News, 29 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pleads
  1. argues
  2. contends
  3. reasons
  4. insists
  5. asserts
Verb
  • Conversely, another group argues that given the upside risks to inflation, the year-end rate should likely be higher than the current target range.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Dolly Parton stood up for undocumented immigrants when few others would, argues columnist Gustavo Arellano.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of argues
Verb
  • Summary This article contends that inflation management is not, and never has been, the Federal Reserve's core responsibility.
    — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The company contends its plan serves the town, the residential marketplace and the interest of historic preservation.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of contends
Verb
  • The consultant reasons by filling a notebook with calculations, then hands you a one-sentence answer, and keeps the notebook.
    — Adam Fish, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • How the Fed reasons its way to agreements is as important as the agreements.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 18 June 2026
Definition of reasons
Verb
  • Turkey’s government insists its courts are independent as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shrugs off European rulings, a stance that has already fueled a diplomatic clash with Western ambassadors over Kavala’s detention.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The government insists that prisoners are provided with proper medical care and sent to hospital if required.
    — Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of insists
Verb
  • In addition to hurting consumers, Bird asserts that the uncertainty, along with Paramount’s $7 million ticking fee, will pull down an industry that’s just starting to get back on its feet.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Civilizationism asserts that the United States ought to interfere in Europe’s affairs.
    — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of asserts

Browse Nearby Words

pleading (to)
pleads
pleads (for)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pleads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pleads. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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