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

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

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