replete

adjective

re·plete ri-ˈplēt

Synonyms of replete next

: fully or abundantly provided or filled

a book replete with … delicious details—

William Safire

: abundantly fed

: fat, stout

: complete

repleteness noun

Did you know?

Given that one of the roots of replete is the Latin verb plēre, meaning "to fill," it isn't surprising that the word has synonyms such as full and complete. Replete, full, and complete all indicate that something contains all that is wanted or needed or possible, but there are also subtle differences between the words. Full implies the presence or inclusion of everything that can be held, contained, or attained ("a full schedule"), while complete applies when all that is needed is present ("a complete picture of the situation"). Replete is the synonym of choice when fullness is accompanied by a sense of satiety.

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

Example Sentences

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 Even at age 38, LeBron is still LeBron, replete with a rich history against the Celtics. —

Christopher L. Gasper, BostonGlobe.com, 16 May 2023 The black carbon dial is, of course, replete with motorsport references. —

Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 May 2023 The video announcing the Biden re-election bid is replete with images of smiling children and folks flying the American flag in small towns. —

Kenneth L. Khachigian, wsj.com, 7 May 2023 American history is replete with examples of people being excluded from certain segments of society because of race, politics or religion. —

Anthony Paik, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2023 The chapters examining the economic landscape of the milk industry since the 1940s are eminently readable, replete with shocking facts about the implications of the modern industry for farms, animals and consumers. —

Douglas Girardot, Washington Post, 2 May 2023 The evening is replete with good food, flowing conversation, and plans for a delicious dessert in Manhattan. —

Melissa Giberson, BostonGlobe.com, 28 Apr. 2023 The Landmark was designed by the architect Peter Marino, and its 10 floors are replete with works by artists like Damien Hirst, Jenny Holzer, Richard Prince and Rashid Johnson. —

Alex Vadukul, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2023 The spacious, flexible interior can comfortably accommodate up to eight sleepers across four cabins and is replete with elegant, modern furnishings. —

Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'replete.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

See more words from the same century