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 next

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 Proper has not entered a plea yet, according to court records. —

Luke Barr, ABC News, 16 June 2026 The plea deal came with a 30-day jail sentence to be served within a five-year period of probation. —

Steven Rosenbaum, CBS News, 16 June 2026 Ridglan and a special prosecutor reached a plea agreement requiring the lab to give up its commercial dog-breeding and seller’s license by July 1 to avoid criminal animal-cruelty charges. —

Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2026 Prosecutors could also try to negotiate a deal with the defendants that would resolve the case short of trial, such as a plea to lesser counts or deferred prosecution agreement. —

Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for plea

Recent Examples of Synonyms for plea

Noun

Karmelo Anthony, the Texas man convicted of stabbing a star athlete to death at a high school track meet, is asking the court to appoint a free public defender for his appeal, despite his family raising more than a half million dollars in funds for his legal fees.

— Julia Bonavita , Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2026
These slightly baggy jeans boast a flattering fit, while raw hems add to their casual appeal.

— Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026

Definition of appeal

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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 17 Jun. 2026.

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Synonyms of plea

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