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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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 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 See All Example Sentences for plenary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plenary
Adjective
  • The entire Raptors team had 18 rebounds in the opening half.
    CBS News, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Williams had worked her entire life, first as a dorm mother at Florida A & M University and later as a cosmetologist.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Chandler Zavala has been fighting the injury bug his whole career.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
  • My whole body felt softer and stronger after a Pinda Sweda Kizi massage with warm herbal poultices by Abhi, a sweet-natured practitioner from Kerala, the home of Ayurveda.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The market is full of vehicles that blur the line between a traditional e-bike and something closer to a motorcycle, and manufacturers don’t always make the distinction easy to spot.
    Sarah Raza, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
  • In addition to the separate living room and bedroom, a dining area sported a full dinner table, a perfect setting for in-room meals.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Perhaps no other museum cafe in the city is more beloved than the Neue Galerie's Café Sabarsky, a Viennese cafe that seems to transport guests to Austria, circa 1910, complete with lighting fixtures by Josef Hoffmann, furniture by Adolf Loos, and banquettes upholstered with Otto Wagner fabric.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
  • His metamorphosis into social scientist-cum-sage appears to be complete.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Routes to reception and the concierge are also accessible, and hotel staffers receive comprehensive training on the requirements of the ADA and Human Rights Code.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • AcePDF Converter & Editor provides a comprehensive set of tools for managing PDF documents without requiring multiple apps.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Charlotte entered the night fifth in total defensive rating at 111 over the better portion of the past three months, and the reason is apparently not all that complicated.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The administration has a goal of reaching a total capacity of 100,000 beds, and it's launched a controversial effort to convert warehouses into holding facilities and aggressively expand detention capacity.
    Martin Kaste, NPR, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • On this postcard-perfect corner of Canada’s northeastern province of Newfoundland and Labrador that’s slammed by wind and waves, cod-fishing communities hold on to their distinctive settler history.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Anything less than near-perfect means teams are preparing for a potential delay.
    Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Plenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plenary. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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