Synonyms of plenary

plenary

adjective

ˈple-nə-rē 

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

• entire
• whole
• full
• complete
• comprehensive
• total
• perfect
• grand
• integral
• intact
• extensive
• unabridged
• undiminished
• compleat
• exhaustive
• maximal
• uncut
• full-on
• full-scale
• all-out
• full-blown
• full-fledged
• full-out
• full-bore
• full-blooded

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• partial
• incomplete
• imperfect
• abbreviated
• cut
• diminished
• reduced
• abridged

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

Recent Examples of plenary

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

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

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