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
  • In a matter of hours, the pillars of an entire system of repression had not simply collapsed.
    Danny Makki, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The performance, and the entire show at the Flicker Bar, will be released as part of the Drive-By Truckers’ forthcoming reissue of Decoration Day.
    Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • It was considered immoral to lie and the whole point of writing things down back then was to increase morality and improve society, so there really is no didactic history of forgery.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025
  • But even at the time, officials acknowledged students still wouldn’t be able to navigate the whole building.
    Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 15 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
  • From General Hospital's big wins, to Drew Barrymore's first Emmy, keep scrolling to see which fan-favorites come out on top by viewing the complete list of winners from the 2025 Daytime Emmys.
    Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Then in Game Two came Yoshinobu Yamamoto (three hundred and twenty-five million for twelve years), who gave up a home run to the first batter before pitching a complete game in which no one else got to second base.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 18 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
  • The Steelers' defense was absolutely shredded by 40-year-old quarterback Joe Flacco and the Cincinnati Bengals' offense on Thursday night, surrendering 470 total yards in the 33-31 loss.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • At under $50, this coat is a total steal that’s sure to make even the simplest of airport outfits look sophisticated.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In perhaps a perfect encapsulation of the Rangers’ current woes, Mika Zibanejad put himself in position to score an overtime winner and prepared to shoot, only for the puck to slide off his stick.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Beyond Blues introduces non-indigo dye options and versatile customization possibilities, while Airsoft features a fresh palette of luminous mid and light indigo tones, complemented by soft greys and blacks—perfect for spring-summer moods and relaxed silhouettes.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plenary. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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