Definition of plenarynext
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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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 As scholars and legal studies emphasize, presidential clemency is plenary and historically immune to reversal, and the form of a president’s signature has never determined its validity. Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2025 Newsom’s office confirmed this week that the Democratic governor – and frequent Trump sparring partner – will be delivering plenary remarks and participating in fireside chats at the conference. Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 7 Nov. 2025 In order to win a war—especially a war that threatened the nation’s very existence—the federal government enjoyed plenary power to liberate slaves, as nations at war had commonly done long before the Constitution was drafted and ratified. Akhil Reed Amar, Time, 22 Sep. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for plenary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plenary
Adjective
  • At a time when the football commentariat in Italy is proposing that the entire system of Italian football be demolished, Sassuolo act as a reminder than not all is bad.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 7 May 2026
  • In less than 24 hours, the deadly flames reduced the entire city to ash, displacing generations of families overnight.
    Samantha Stokes, Essence, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • From South India and Sri Lanka come emphatic roasts and stews, the pageantry of lamprais (a whole meal baked in banana leaf) and lacy hoppers, fermented rice flour pancakes with sides that slope upward as if in bloom.
    Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • The whole pitch falls flat if WWE just stacks the card with names already over — there's nothing to learn about Oba Femi's audience pull when his Raw run already has the building behind him.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • The menu is full of sustaining stews, ample vegetables and, from the toné (clay oven), khachapuri, a genre of breads infiltrated by cheese and by turns fluffy, elastic, oozy and tender.
    Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • As a result, Pacers team president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard took full responsibility for the move, apologizing on social media.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • Both reiterated, however, that the investigation was still active and the translations almost complete.
    Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
  • Her 18-year prison sentence was suspended, but her foundation says the conditional release is insufficient and demands her complete and unconditional freedom.
    Sarah el Deeb, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • Interceptor drones as part of a comprehensive air defense system are now being sought by Middle East and Gulf countries amid the Iran war, according to Ukrainian officials.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • With overwhelming bipartisan support, Indiana enacted one of the most comprehensive state-level national security laws in the country.
    Joe Gebbia Sr, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In total, five people have been confirmed to have contracted the virus while three others are suspected of being infected.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 8 May 2026
  • In some cases, the income can be less than the total house payment and still qualify.
    Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Premium Back Massager Practical, sleek, and top of the line, this back massager is perfect for at-home spa days.
    Maeve Dunigan, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
  • The conditions were perfect for airlines to raise fares – bad news for bargain-seeking travelers.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Plenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plenary. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

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