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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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 decision was never formally confirmed in a plenary session before the conference ended. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026 Saudi Arabia is the guest of honor at this year’s forum with the Saudi energy minister due to take part in the plenary session with Putin on Friday. — Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 4 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for plenary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plenary
Adjective
  • The Fort Worth and Fort Collins shows—the former the only 1976 show ever officially pressed to vinyl, the latter released to streaming services without notice a week before the box’s arrival—are instant classics of Dylan’s entire live oeuvre.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Consider this your chance to improve your entire bed's comfort for less.
    — Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The rapid development of drones with their swarming tactics requires a whole new approach to firepower that can neutralize mass threats without emptying ammunition stockpiles and busting the bank.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Nov. 2026
  • DraftKings noted that the unders on Jontay’s stats were the most profitable bet of the whole night, a surprise for such a small-time player.
    — New Yorker, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The group previously proved a special case of the conjecture in August 2026 and is preparing a shorter exposition of PSI’s full proof for other experts.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • These two tapes, though, are like watching a full playoff game, the early-season jitters and mishaps gone.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 7 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Lead author Samantha Gilbert-Janizek expanded the model to include those missing systems, creating a more complete picture of how chemicals move throughout a rocky planet.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • As the Moon joins Mars in Leo, creative courage may arrive before complete confidence.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • This happens because cities to a large extent are bound by their comprehensive plans, which govern how land can be used.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The Venezuelan migrant crisis The assistance and response led by Prevost in the face of the massive arrival of Venezuelan migrants in 2018 was comprehensive and had a different vision from that of the country’s other regions.
    — Claudia Rebaza, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The spa The 10,200-square-foot Heavenly Spa is a total retreat where panoramic harbor views instantly calm guests before treatments.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Colorado law requires an automatic recount when the margin between candidates is less than half of 1% of the winning candidate's total votes.
    — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Vella and DeTore already achieved perfect synthesis of psychedelia and death-doom on Song of Salvation.
    — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 9 Nov. 2026
  • The combination just has that perfect high-low mix of sophistication and relaxed elegance.
    — Fernanda Pérez Sánchez, Glamour, 8 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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