special pleading
noun
1
: the allegation of special or new matter to offset the effect of matter pleaded by the opposite side and admitted, as distinguished from a direct denial of the matter pleaded
2
: misleading argument that presents one point or phase as if it covered the entire question at issue
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Barnes captures the language of adoration with exquisite poise, the devoted student’s endless cycle of qualifications and special pleading. 
Ron Charles, Washington Post, 9 Aug. 2022 The connections can be stretched only so far, however, and when the industry is sued, a common occurrence, its special pleading doesn’t play as well in courtrooms, where facts, reason, and fairness are all that matter. Matthew Scully, National Review, 11 July 2022 Like that earlier piece, Bowles employs exaggeration and special pleading to make her case. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2022 Ultimately, Kirk is engaged in nothing more noble than good old-fashioned special pleading. Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 25 Feb. 2022 The preponderance of Civil War and Robert E. Lee memorabilia in the Richmond time capsule suggests not just items pertinent to a statue of Lee, but at least a little special pleading. Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2022 His analysis was carefully mixed with a touch of special pleading and a large slice of humble pie. Patrick Frater, Variety, 18 Aug. 2021 Friedersdorf quotes are plainly engaged in special pleading. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2021 There’s the aspect in these petitions of special pleading — Khan appears to be un-capturable, which is why her targets have the knives out. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2021 See More
Ron Charles, Washington Post, 9 Aug. 2022 The connections can be stretched only so far, however, and when the industry is sued, a common occurrence, its special pleading doesn’t play as well in courtrooms, where facts, reason, and fairness are all that matter. Matthew Scully, National Review, 11 July 2022 Like that earlier piece, Bowles employs exaggeration and special pleading to make her case. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2022 Ultimately, Kirk is engaged in nothing more noble than good old-fashioned special pleading. Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 25 Feb. 2022 The preponderance of Civil War and Robert E. Lee memorabilia in the Richmond time capsule suggests not just items pertinent to a statue of Lee, but at least a little special pleading. Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2022 His analysis was carefully mixed with a touch of special pleading and a large slice of humble pie. Patrick Frater, Variety, 18 Aug. 2021 Friedersdorf quotes are plainly engaged in special pleading. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2021 There’s the aspect in these petitions of special pleading — Khan appears to be un-capturable, which is why her targets have the knives out. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2021 See More Word History
First Known Use
1684, in the meaning defined at sense 1