Thesaurus results for PLEA

Q: How does the noun 'plea' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of plea are alibi , apologia , apology , excuse , and pretext . While all these words mean "matter offered in explanation or defense," plea stresses argument or appeal for understanding or sympathy or mercy. // her usual plea that she was nearsighted

Q: When is 'alibi' a more appropriate choice than 'plea'?

The words alibi and plea can be used in similar contexts, but alibi implies a desire to shift blame or evade punishment and imputes mere plausibility to the explanation. // his alibi failed to stand scrutiny

Q: When can 'apologia' be used instead of 'plea'?

The meanings of apologia and plea largely overlap; however, apologia implies not admission of guilt or regret but a desire to make clear the grounds for some course, belief, or position. // his speech was an apologia for his foreign policy

Q: When would 'apology' be a good substitute for 'plea'?

While the synonyms apology and plea are close in meaning, apology usually applies to an expression of regret for a mistake or wrong with implied admission of guilt or fault and with or without reference to mitigating or extenuating circumstances. // said by way of apology that he would have met them if he could

Q: Where would 'excuse' be a reasonable alternative to 'plea'?

While in some cases nearly identical to plea , excuse implies an intent to avoid or remove blame or censure. // used illness as an excuse for missing the meeting

Q: When is it sensible to use 'pretext' instead of 'plea'?

In some situations, the words pretext and plea are roughly equivalent. However, pretext suggests subterfuge and the offering of false reasons or motives in excuse or explanation. // used any pretext to get out of work

plea

noun

ˈplē

Definition of plea

as in appeal

an earnest request the captive made an impassioned plea for his life to be spared

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in excuse

an explanation that frees one from fault or blame my only plea is that I've been overworked lately

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun plea contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of plea are alibi, apologia, apology, excuse, and pretext. While all these words mean "matter offered in explanation or defense," plea stresses argument or appeal for understanding or sympathy or mercy.

her usual plea that she was nearsighted

When is alibi a more appropriate choice than plea?

The words alibi and plea can be used in similar contexts, but alibi implies a desire to shift blame or evade punishment and imputes mere plausibility to the explanation.

his alibi failed to stand scrutiny

When can apologia be used instead of plea?

The meanings of apologia and plea largely overlap; however, apologia implies not admission of guilt or regret but a desire to make clear the grounds for some course, belief, or position.

his speech was an apologia for his foreign policy

When would apology be a good substitute for plea?

While the synonyms apology and plea are close in meaning, apology usually applies to an expression of regret for a mistake or wrong with implied admission of guilt or fault and with or without reference to mitigating or extenuating circumstances.

said by way of apology that he would have met them if he could

Where would excuse be a reasonable alternative to plea?

While in some cases nearly identical to plea, excuse implies an intent to avoid or remove blame or censure.

used illness as an excuse for missing the meeting

When is it sensible to use pretext instead of plea?

In some situations, the words pretext and plea are roughly equivalent. However, pretext suggests subterfuge and the offering of false reasons or motives in excuse or explanation.

used any pretext to get out of work

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 plea The Grammy-winning singer entered the plea during a hearing Friday at Southwark Crown Court. — ABC News, 24 July 2026 The families will learn whether prosecutors will offer plea agreements to Martin and Payton or proceed to a second trial on the homicide charges. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026 Defense attorneys entered Saab’s plea on all counts, preserving his right to challenge the government’s charges before a jury. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026 Last Friday, Truelove did not enter a plea at his arraignment in a New York criminal court. — Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for plea

Recent Examples of Synonyms for plea

Noun

An appeal, on the other hand, can only consider evidence that’s already in the record and is typically filed when a defendant is questioning a judge’s decision.

— Alex Brizee July 30, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026
At the same time, Ghana and other African nations have made more deliberate appeals to descendants of the diaspora through citizenship, residency, tourism and investment initiatives.

— Richard Fowler, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of appeal

Noun

Though the crime is a problem that needs to be addressed, Robinson said some of her neighbors are using it as an excuse to make racist comments.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
Many companies are laying off valuable employees, often blaming AI, but experts suggest AI frequently serves as an excuse for corporate restructuring or past overhiring.

— Peter D. Banko, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of excuse

Noun

Just over one week later, as the families continue to grieve and finalize the teens’ funeral plans, their thoughts and prayers are being sent to their friend in the hospital still fighting for his life.

— Eric Adler July 28, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
His sisters and mother, clad in black and gold, gripped their own prayer cards.

— Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Definition of prayer

Noun

As the economy becomes a flashpoint for the November midterms, many of these candidates and voters who support them are citing religion as a justification for their positions.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
Its inability to thrive was then offered as the justification for never building one.

— Lindsey Darvin, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of justification

Noun

As part of his petition, Kohberger also filed a motion and affidavit in support of appointment of counsel.

— Alex Brizee July 30, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026
The injunction petition said she was later taken into custody under Florida's Baker Act, which allows authorities to temporarily detain a person for a mental health examination under certain circumstances.

— Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of petition

Noun

Harry also reached a settlement with the publisher of The Sun last January, which paid an eight-figure sum in damages and issued an apology acknowledging unlawful actions.

— Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
Barrow County Sheriff's Office Investigator Jason Smith returned to the stand briefly on July 27 and testified that investigators directed Gray to write apology letters to family members of his victims as part of their interrogation.

— N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 29 July 2026

Definition of apology

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plazas

plea

pleach

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“Plea.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plea. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of plea

noun

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