plea
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for plea, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An urgent, heartfelt request.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use plea
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French plait/plaid, from Medieval Latin placitum ("a decree" or "that which pleases"). Related to please and pleasure.
Full origin of plea →Frequently asked questions
What does “plea” mean?
The word “plea” means an urgent, heartfelt request. In plain terms, a heartfelt appeal, or, in a courtroom, a defendant's formal answer to a charge.
How do you pronounce “plea”?
“Plea” is pronounced plee (/pliː/ in IPA).
How do you use “plea” in a sentence?
Here is “plea” used in a sentence: “She made a tearful plea for donations to the shelter.”
What is another word for “plea”?
Words with a similar meaning to “plea” include plaidoyer.
What part of speech is “plea”?
“Plea” is a noun.
Where does the word “plea” come from?
The word “plea” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French plait/plaid, from Medieval Latin placitum ("a decree" or "that which pleases"). Related to please and pleasure.
Is “plea” a common word?
“Plea” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “plea” have?
“Plea” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an urgent, heartfelt request.
What is the difference between a plea and a request?
A plea is an urgent, heartfelt request made with strong emotion, while an ordinary request can be routine or neutral. A plea implies desperation or deep need, so it carries far more emotional weight than a simple ask.
What is the difference between a plea and a plea bargain?
A plea is a defendant's formal response to a charge, while a plea bargain is an agreement in which the defendant pleads guilty, often to a lesser charge, in exchange for a lighter sentence. The plea is the statement itself; the bargain is the negotiated deal behind it.
What words commonly go with "plea"?
Common pairings include "a plea for help," "a heartfelt plea," and "a desperate plea," plus the legal phrases "enter a plea" and "plea of guilty." These collocations reflect the word's two senses — an emotional appeal and a formal legal response.