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

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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 The romantic sci-fi drama, produced by Cerita Films and starring Sheila Dara Aisha and Dion Wiyoko, was confirmed as the country’s submission by the Indonesian Oscar Selection Committee following a plenary meeting. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Sep. 2025 But European Parliament President Roberta Metsola denied the request and said procedural rules requiring tributes had to be formally submitted at the opening of a plenary session. Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025 Russian President Vladimir Putin speeches during the plenary session of the 2025 Eastern Economic Forum, on September 5, 2025, in Vladivostok, Russia. Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 Anyone below age 15 is prosecuted by the D.C. attorney general under plenary authority, meaning the district has complete authority to prosecute cases involving that particular demographic. David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plenary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plenary
Adjective
  • Welcome to the ninth edition of The Alternative Premier League Table, where each Thursday, Anantaajith Raghuraman analyses the entire division through a specific lens.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Gottlieb is also known as the unwitting godfather of the entire LSD counterculture.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Cangialosi compared his ability to see the whole field with that of former NFL coach John Madden, another broadcaster with a deep fear of flying.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • But perhaps more importantly, Cork Tree helped the band become the therapists pumping through the speakers of a whole generation of skinny jean-wearing teens, igniting the pop-punk and emo music scene into a blazing force for the masses.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The city is unsurprisingly full of haunted spaces, but Muriel’s restaurant by Jackson Square is for those who want just a side of spooky.
    Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The full SiriusXM Town Hall will air on Radio Andy on Monday.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Yamamoto is also the first pitcher since Curt Schilling to throw consecutive complete games in a postseason.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
  • But perhaps one of the most complete.
    Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The result is high-quality health care that is accessible, comprehensive, and most of all, personalized.
    Conviva Senior Primary Care, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2025
  • This list is in no particular order and is in no way comprehensive.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • So this was a wave of the bat that made total sense but also no sense at all.
    Jayson Stark, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Thompson received nearly $136,000 in total compensation in 2023, the most recent year for which tax records were available — up from $95,608 a year earlier.
    La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The 26-year-old was caught offside no fewer than eight times during a 4-0 defeat to Barcelona back in November, many of which after inch-perfect movement from Pau Cubarsi to step up and leave the centre-forward marginally ahead of the defensive line.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • None of our systems is perfect—neither corporate media nor media owned by a single wealthy individual.
    David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plenary. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

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