plenary

adjective

ˈple-nə-rē How to pronounce plenary (audio)
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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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 Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame captured the mood among business and political leaders gathered at the opening plenary of the forum a day earlier urging Africans to stop accepting deal terms set outside the continent. — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 15 May 2026 National Bureau of Investigation agents tried to serve the ICC arrest warrant, but dela Rosa darted toward a narrow stairway into the Senate plenary hall and sought the help of allied senators, who took him into protective custody. — Jim Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 Popular Party deputy Cayetana Alvarez de Toledo is seen speaking during a plenary session of Spain's Congress, April 22, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. — Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026 Iran’s Deputy Defence Minister Majid Ebnoreza (L) shakes hands with China’s former defence attache to the USA Zhang Li after speaking during a plenary session of the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing on September 19, 2025. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plenary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plenary
  1. entire
  2. whole
  3. full
  4. complete
  5. comprehensive
  6. total
  7. perfect
Adjective
  • The entire Braves offense struggled, but it’s especially felt from first baseman Olson.
    — Jesús Cano, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Beyond the supermarket, however, grocery prices will also reflect the rising cost of diesel across the entire food supply chain, starting with farmers.
    — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of entire
Adjective
  • Tucker Kraft Day is a real thing, too, and the whole town gathered on Main Street in their Kraft gear while a drone flew overhead.
    — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • And there’s a whole generation of girlies like me who’ve followed these ladies through our adolescence into adulthood.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of whole
Adjective
  • Neither the names of the nominees nor how many seats Oasis sought could be learned, but to gain full control of the company’s board would require it to nominate five directors.
    — Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The only men were the mayor, the three members of town council, the priest from the Catholic church, Father Michael, and the reverend from the Baptist church, as well as a man with a balding head and a full moustache, his suit pressed and clean.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • The hierarchy have applied a couple of touch-ups here and there, adding Germany full-back Nathaniel Brown and Ismael Saibari, who had an impressive World Cup up front for Morocco, but this is a near-complete team.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The Lions controlled the game from start to finish, putting in one of their most complete performances of the season while keeping a dangerous San Diego side from threatening.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of complete
Adjective
  • China’s grain output reached a record 715 million tons in 2025, while national plans call for increasing comprehensive grain production capacity to about 725 million tons by 2030.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
  • In May, Raman announced a comprehensive Palisades recovery plan that touched on many of the demands fire survivors had been voicing for more than a year.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • Alabama sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell impressed in his first career start, accounting for 342 total yards while leading his team in rushing.
    — Justin Williams, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • SpaceX got the rest of the contracts, with 22 launches booked on Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets for a total value of $4 billion.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of total
Adjective
  • The pass the Netherlands forward wrapped into Alexander Isak’s feet was perfect.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The Hoosiers have won 17 straight games, the longest active winning streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision, and are a perfect 16-0 at home under Cignetti.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of perfect

Browse Nearby Words

pledging
plenary
plenipotentiaries
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Cite this Entry

“Plenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plenary. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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