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Definitions

plead

[pleed] / plid /
VERB
beg, request
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appeal ask petition pray solicit
STRONG
beseech crave crawl entreat implore importune supplicate
WEAK
cop a plea entreaty make up for square things
Antonyms
STRONGEST
refuse
STRONG
answer
WEAK
decide punish reply sentence
VERB
present a defense
Synonyms
STRONGEST
allege argue assert cite declare maintain respond
STRONG
adduce advocate avouch present vouch
WEAK
answer charges cop a plea give evidence plea-bargain put forward use as excuse
Antonyms
STRONGEST
deny ignore
WEAK
answer decide punish reply sentence

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.

However, his barrister Emma Fenn indicated he intended to plead not guilty to both counts at a crown court hearing set for 10 April.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Only a few years before, he recalled, he’d had to plead with the Pentagon to pay attention.

From Salon • Mar. 11, 2026

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan typically require cooperating witnesses to plead guilty to all the charges against them, corroborate the government’s allegations and admit to any other crimes they committed during their lifetime.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

He is expected to plead not guilty and have a preliminary hearing set for the coming months, where a judge will determine whether prosecutors have enough evidence to proceed to trial.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

‘But first I will plead this excuse,’ said Éomer.

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.