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 jury award was a spur to understand a life recognizably shaped by social-media algorithms, in ways that were perhaps near-impossible to resist, as a serious injury to an entire generation.
    Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Even so, the contamination still matters because the entire Biscayne Aquifer system is connected.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The board began to shake and flash purple; my whole body jiggled.
    Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • The Hornets return nine players after eight seniors graduated, including the return of their whole pitching staff and five returning starters on the field.
    Brian Roach, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The car was full of suitcases, and his father was sitting in the front seat, scrolling on his phone.
    Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Wiseman, Glover, Koch and Hansen were launched Wednesday and, after spending a full day checking out the Orion spacecraft, the ship left Earth orbit Thursday and headed for the moon.
    William Harwood, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Easter holiday wouldn't be complete without an egg hunt, and one church in Northern Colorado has a unique way to celebrate.
    Holly Santman, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Eleven months later, the transfer of knowledge is complete, and the girls emerge from the basement, equipped with their new powers, just as their family falls apart.
    Kristen Roupenian, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The measure, which is backed by two Native American tribes, calls for a comprehensive study on the feasibility of bringing back the golden bears that festoon the state’s flag.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The commission then took up the comprehensive plan change request for a vote, but even though Hoefs made a motion to recommend approval, the other commissioners did not second it.
    Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • What stood out for me, however, was his total submission to the grating demands of retail politics.
    Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Right now, at this very moment, the total amount of entropy contained within the observable Universe is greater than it’s ever been before.
    Big Think, Big Think, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Either way, this decisive energy favors clear asks and tangible action over chasing perfect conditions.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Johansson took a perfect pass from Boldy right on the doorstep to beat Kraken goalie Joey Daccord, who finished with 24 saves.
    CBS News, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Plenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plenary. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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