pleaded

verb

variants or pled also plead
past tense of plead
as in argued
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 pleaded The Ukrainian leader has pleaded with Washington to supply more Patriot air-defense ammunition to stop the missiles, and to heap more sanctions on Russia to pressure Moscow to pursue peace. — Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026 Joseph Strange, 48, of Holly, Michigan, pleaded guilty in federal court in the Eastern District of Michigan to criminal infringement of a copyright. — Eric Henderson, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback pleaded no contest to charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 On June 11, Vance Boelter pleaded guilty to federal charges in the murders, shootings and stalking of the victims. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Another leader of the conspiracy, Kewon Young, 31, of Mansfield, Ohio, has pleaded guilty and is due to be sentenced early next year. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 Kelly Elizabeth Shea pleaded guilty to misdemeanor obstruction of justice in a plea deal Wednesday afternoon, and a judge sentenced her to a year of probation and community service. — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026 The other four involved in the October attack pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit grand theft last year. — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 15 Oct. 2026 Since then, one of the workers who was indicted with Liaw and worked as a contractor for Supermicro, has pleaded guilty, according to court records in the case. — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pleaded
  1. argued
  2. reasoned
  3. contended
  4. insisted
Verb
  • Vukovic argued that the only way Russian influence could decline is via indirect means.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Rubio has argued that before holding new elections, Venezuela must stabilize its economy and rebuild its institutions, including its courts and electoral council.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of argued
Verb
  • The leader of the world’s largest chip company reasoned that his success wouldn’t have been possible without the opportunities America afforded him.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • This line of defense didn’t persuade Sweeney, who reasoned that adding athletes with expired eligibility would mean more, not less, market competition.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of reasoned
Verb
  • Prosecutors have contended that Sanon was more than an unwitting political hopeful.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Belgal's attorneys contended ICE agents arrested Belgal without a warrant.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of contended
Verb
  • Until now, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has insisted the men were still alive and being held by gangs.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Putin has long insisted that Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which Russia has tried — and failed — to fully capture over more than four years of war have always been Russian.
    — Catherine Belton, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of insisted

Browse Nearby Words

plead
pleaded
pleaded (for)
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Cite this Entry

“Pleaded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pleaded. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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