Meaning & use
Pleading
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A formal written statement filed with a court that sets out the facts, claims, or defenses of one party in a legal case.
See it in a sentence
The defendant's lawyer filed a pleading denying every allegation in the lawsuit.
The court dismissed the case after finding the pleading legally insufficient.
A note on using this word
Outside the courtroom, pleading is more often used as an adjective, as in "pleading eyes," describing an urgent, emotional appeal for something.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. adjective
Making an urgent, emotional appeal or request.
He gave her a pleading look, silently asking for one more chance.
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