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 Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during an annual plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club, on October 2, 2025 in Sochi, Russia. Sam Meredith, CNBC, 3 Oct. 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 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 See All Example Sentences for plenary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plenary
Adjective
  • As a childless person who doesn’t teach I’ve been happily unaware that, due to standardized testing requirements that favor close reads of excerpts over whole books, there’s an entire generation of students who have very little contextual framework for the literature they’re being taught in school.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Morning Post citing data from Wind, already greater than the entire total in 2024.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • This was a serious favor to extend to the son of an old friend, to take me from nowhere and propel me to the middle of that whole game.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
  • For many people, a whole grain sourdough provides an ideal balance—offering the fiber and nutrients of whole wheat with the digestibility and flavor benefits of fermentation.
    Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Take a gander through a museum full of vintage Christmas decor for a nostalgic look back at how the holiday was celebrated throughout the years.
    Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Nov. 2025
  • In it, the woman is wearing the then-modern attire of Viennese society, donning a white-and-blue dress and robe; the background, meanwhile, is full of East Asian motifs, representing Klimt’s fondness of Chinese and Japanese artifacts.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Foden has improved the defensive side of his game to the point that Guardiola trusts him to play a more complete role in the centre of the pitch, but going with such a fluid line-up does risk exposing City on the counter.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • And no list of holiday musts is complete without Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, one of the earliest creations of the beloved production company.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The Clockwork manicure was not as comprehensive as what 10Beauty looks to deliver, though absorbing the company’s data has accelerated 10Beauty’s own device and helped the company better understand what will and won’t work in autonomous services.
    Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025
  • As such, each festivalgoer will also be provided with a comprehensive guide to staying healthy while in Costa Rica that’s been developed in partnership with local doctors, health professionals and the Costa Rican Ministry of Health.
    Katie Bain, Billboard, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • A week after a 27-10 road win at Syracuse, North Carolina turned in a dreadful first half against Stanford (3-7, 2-5 ACC), gaining only 47 total yards on its way to a 3-3 halftime tie.
    Justin Williams, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The Aggies put up 464 yards of total offense and held the ball for more than 35 minutes.
    Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Includes gardening tips to grow perfect perennials and chiles for every palate, plus articles on delicious Ukrainian food dishes and Christmas family traditions, banana recipe contest winners and practical life advice.
    Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2025
  • To this day, it's celebrated as one of the most iconic musical pairings ever captured on television — a shimmering handoff between generations and a snapshot of two powerhouse voices meeting in perfect harmony.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plenary. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

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