replete

adjective

re·​plete ri-ˈplēt How to pronounce replete (audio)
Synonyms of replete
1
: fully or abundantly provided or filled
… a book replete with … delicious details …William Safire
2
a
: abundantly fed
b
: fat, stout
3
repleteness noun

Did you know?

It’s no coincidence that replete and complete are close in meaning. Both words come from the Latin verb plēre, meaning "to fill," and both indicate that something contains all that is wanted, needed, or possible. There are some subtle differences in usage, however. Complete applies when all that is needed is present ("a complete picture of the situation"), whereas replete is the synonym of choice when fullness is accompanied by a sense of satiety ("the buffet was replete with dishes from all over the world"). Etymology fans may be interested to know that the list of plēre descendants doesn't end with these two; English is in fact replete with them. Some other words supplied by this Latin verb include deplete, expletive, implement, and supply.

Choose the Right Synonym for replete

full, complete, plenary, replete mean containing all that is wanted or needed or possible.

full implies the presence or inclusion of everything that is wanted or required by something or that can be held, contained, or attained by it.

a full schedule

complete applies when all that is needed is present.

a complete picture of the situation

plenary adds to complete the implication of fullness without qualification.

given plenary power

replete implies being filled to the brim or to satiety.

replete with delightful details

Examples of replete in a Sentence

The book is replete with photographs. The country's history is replete with stories of people who became successful by working hard.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
History is replete with wars that end in interim agreements, deferring difficult issues to future negotiations, only for the interim arrangement to become permanent. Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026 Selene also has an expansive garden terrace with a bar that’s a biophilic dream replete with flowers and plants as well as a retractable-roof atrium that opens to the sky above- a nod to Selene, the Greek goddess of the moon. Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 Across Central Florida, today and throughout the weekend, expect vibrant celebrations of African American culture and community, replete with food, entertainment, art and history. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2026 Interiors replete with natural fibers, from woolen carpets to possum skin cushions, are tactile and welcoming. Steve Madgwick, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for replete

Word History

Etymology

Middle English replet, replete, repleet "filled (with), filled with food or drink, sated, having an excess of humors," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French replet "filled," borrowed from Latin replētus "full (of), fully endowed (with)," from past participle of replēre "to make full again, replenish, restore, fill up, sate," from re- re- + plēre "to fill" — more at full entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of replete was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Replete.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/replete. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

replete

adjective
re·​plete ri-ˈplēt How to pronounce replete (audio)
1
: fully or well provided or filled
a book replete with illustrations
2
: well fed
repleteness noun

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