plead
verb (used without object)
to appeal or entreat earnestly.
was pleading
-
past progressiveof plead.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
This was radical stuff in 1776, when Abigail Adams, the redoubtable wife of John, the founding father and future president, was pleading with her husband to “remember the ladies.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 2, 2026
Perhaps he didn’t understand the new Protestant Communion—rather than at an altar, the sacrament now took place over a table covered with a simple cloth—and he was pleading that someone explain it to him.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 27, 2026
James Elder, spokesperson for the U.N. children’s agency UNICEF, said from southern Gaza that the agency was pleading for the truce to be made permanent.
From Reuters ● Nov. 24, 2023
Prince told People she “was under the impression I was pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter. … The whole time in court took less than an hour.”
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 21, 2023
I asked, trying not to seem like I was pleading.
From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence
