Thesaurus results for PLEA

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 And yet, two-thirds into the song’s six-minute lurch, a beaming synth line appears like a biblical burst of light, a plea for sanctuary from perpetual chaos. —

Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 9 Jan. 2026 The plea for calm – and concern about federal backlash – was echoed Wednesday by Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey. —

Andy Rose, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026 Trump issued a late plea to the Supreme Court justices last night, on Truth Social. —

Jim Edwards, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026 His attorney, Michael Jacques, entered a plea of not guilty to the charge on behalf of his client, according to court filings. —

Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plea

Recent Examples of Synonyms for plea

Noun

Without question, Bardot expanded the appeal of international films from cinephiles and college students.

— Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
The appeal of Charli’s account was that her reviews were funny, yes, and a glimpse into her culture diet in relation to her own work.

— Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2026