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plead ignorance

VERB
excuse
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acquit condone defend exempt exonerate explain forgive indulge let go pardon relieve spare tolerate
STRONG
alibi appease clear cover discharge exculpate extenuate free liberate mitigate overlook pretext purge rationalize release remit reprieve shrive vindicate whitewash
WEAK
apologize for bear with dispense from exempt from give absolution grant amnesty let off make allowances for pass over shrug off take rap for wink at
Antonyms
STRONGEST
accuse blame censure charge condemn damn hurt punish sentence
STRONG
aggravate hold incite irritate keep limit maintain prevent restrain reveal

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

While several panelists continue to plead ignorance as to what, exactly, makes a movie debuting on television a TV movie or not a TV movie, some find titles to champion.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 2026

If we witness another Deepwater Horizon, no one will be in a position to plead ignorance.

From Slate ● Jan. 14, 2026

“We can no longer plead ignorance to the consequences of our actions or continue to repeat our mistakes.”

From New York Times ● Nov. 16, 2022

One teacher, Lori Caldeira, reportedly encouraged teachers not to keep a roster for the clubs, so if a parent ever asks if their child is a member the teacher can plead ignorance.

From Fox News ● Nov. 19, 2021

They all plead ignorance and beg for mercy.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

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