as in entire
not lacking any part or member that properly belongs to it the delegation to the international convention was given plenary authority to negotiate a treaty in the nation's best interest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective plenary contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of plenary are complete, full, and replete. While all these words mean "containing all that is wanted or needed or possible," plenary adds to complete the implication of fullness without qualification.

given plenary power

When is complete a more appropriate choice than plenary?

The words complete and plenary are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, complete applies when all that is needed is present.

a complete picture of the situation

In what contexts can full take the place of plenary?

The words full and plenary can be used in similar contexts, but 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

When could replete be used to replace plenary?

In some situations, the words replete and plenary are roughly equivalent. However, replete implies being filled to the brim or to satiety.

replete with delightful details

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of plenary Russia’s President Vladimir Putin speaks during a plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia, June 20, 2025. Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2025 During a plenary on August 9, three observers independently told Grist that the negotiations felt like Groundhog Day, as countries reiterated familiar talking points. Joseph Winters, Wired News, 16 Aug. 2025 And no Congress should be made to wait while the Executive intrudes on its plenary power over appropriations. Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025 The Supreme Court affirmed the Geary Act’s deportation procedures, formulating a novel legal precept known as the plenary power doctrine that remains a key tenet of U.S. immigration law today. Rick Baldoz, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plenary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plenary
Adjective
  • Not everyone adds the entire show lineup to their Google Calendar, and the screenshot of the CFDA schedule is quickly lost in a sea of other content.
    Vogue Runway, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Best places to see the total lunar eclipse The best views of the total lunar eclipse will be from Asian and Western Australia, where skywatchers can see the entire event from start to finish, according to Time and Date.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Now Kate has a whole new political reality to navigate, even as Hal continues to campaign for Kate to become vice president.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Without his braces, Butt-Head sees the world and himself in a whole new light.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Atrium Health Primary Care Gold Hill offers quick access to a care team and other benefits for a lower fee than the full concierge model, according to the company.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Hardcore fans of the nine-season NBC comedy classic may even remember that was the actual full name of the show’s in-universe documentary that aired in Season 9.
    Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Reliable Autonomy System is a complete solution The company revealed that the Reliable Autonomy System is a complete solution for the integration of large uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) into both civil and military airspaces.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2025
  • According to The Wall Street Journal, the main house has five bedrooms and is complete with mountain views.
    Kaycee Sloan, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Cartman 39-piece Tool Set For road trips, a more comprehensive toolkit is worth packing.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2025
  • The principles are actionable best-practice, distilled from multiple comprehensive studies.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Zdon had 1,707 yards from scrimmage and 23 total touchdowns last season.
    Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Appalachian State’s offense was explosive, resulting in 17 chunk plays, which made up 327 of their 586 total yards.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Native shrubs perfect for fall Chokeberry Chokeberry features crimson or orange leaves in autumn, with red berries that can persist through winter.
    Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The midweight fabric is perfect for layering on chillier fall days, while the snap closure leaves room for easy venting.
    Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Plenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plenary. Accessed 6 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!