debate; argument; to argue over

to speak in defense of; to argue in favor of; to defend; to plead

to explain; to justify; to defend (a point of view etc.); to provide an explanation; to try to defend oneself

a dispute; to wrangle

to counter accusations; to protest; to remonstrate; to retort; to plead; to demur; a plea (of not guilty); a defense (against an allegation); to enter a plea to a charge (in a law court)

to deflect blame from oneself with a dishonest story; to make excuses

to argue (that); to allege; to dispute; to plead (e.g. not guilty)

to dispute; to refute