plead
verb (used without object)
to appeal or entreat earnestly.
were 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.
All the while, chefs, culinary historians and industry observers were pleading for Americans to embrace poultry’s dark side.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 19, 2026
Additionally, studio executives didn’t want to host fancy donor gatherings or write big checks while they were pleading poverty during bargaining with actors and writers.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 12, 2023
And many were pleading for basic resources from Mexico’s leaders.
From New York Times ● Oct. 28, 2023
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street and other senior figures were pleading with the prime minister to keep the project on track.
From BBC ● Oct. 4, 2023
The doctor and Mr. Alacran were pleading with a third person whose replies were muffled.
From "The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer
