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 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 Popular Party deputy Cayetana Alvarez de Toledo is seen speaking during a plenary session of Spain's Congress, April 22, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. — Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plenary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plenary
Adjective
  • Not single pieces of treasured family heirlooms, or even a single chair — entire suites of furniture!
    — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 3 Oct. 2026
  • While coach Paul Maurice was unable to confirm the severity of the injury in his postgame press conference, Florida fans are especially anxious, considering an ACL tear kept Barkov out for the entire season last year.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Crab shells, whole and in pieces, turned up all over the school, to be swept away with the dust and fallen leaves and other litter, placed in a trash bag, and carried off behind the buildings to the incinerator.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The whole college football world was watching, waiting to see if USC’s coach could deliver in the most critical of moments.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The Russian strikes forcing the full or partial closure of three of Kyiv's six road bridges caused traffic logjams and appeared to be a new tactic in its campaign to torment the city's residents.
    — HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The Russian strikes forcing the full or partial closure of three of Kyiv’s six road bridges caused traffic logjams and appeared to be a new tactic in its campaign to torment the city’s residents.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The incoming wave hits a slanted wall, bounces off at an angle, and rapidly spirals into complete unpredictability.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
  • An almost complete goddess torso, identified as the Roman goddess of victory, includes wings, a palm branch, and a victory laurel.
    — Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • To prevent that outcome, Washington needs an equally comprehensive strategy — one that takes America’s biotech ambitions as seriously as China takes its own.
    — Patrick McHenry, STAT, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Media support is equally comprehensive, offering apps like Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and YouTube with 3D/VR enhancements, alongside Xbox Cloud Gaming.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The battery accounted for more than half of the drone’s total weight, forcing the students to account for its mass throughout the flight.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The new options will bring the total count down to 254 seats from 278 on those planes.
    — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The shape skims one’s physique rather than hugging it, creating the kind of movement that made flapper dresses perfect for dancing.
    — Corinne Pierre-Louis, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Runway is a perfect metaphor for a kid who is about to take off.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Plenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plenary. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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