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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 The Supreme Court justices had just ended a plenary session and were quickly evacuated safely, the court said in a statement. Fox News, 14 Nov. 2024 At the first plenary session of the forum Thursday morning, Moiseyev participated alongside other top Russian leaders. Mandy Taheri, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024 But only three of them showed up for the vote Saturday, with the remaining 105 leaving the plenary hall in protest. Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024 Parliament votes to reject martial law The 300-member National Assembly convened in a plenary session at about 1 a.m. local time to request that Yoon lift the declaration of martial law. Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for plenary 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plenary
Adjective
  • The natural disasters killed at least 29 people and destroyed entire neighborhoods and blocks, leaving an unknown number of people homeless.
    Saba Hamedy, NBC News, 31 Jan. 2025
  • In 1961, the entire U.S. figure skating team was killed in a plane crash en route to the World Championships in Prague.
    Lawrence Yee, People.com, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But this has been a hallmark of the whole debate between the U.N. and Israel.
    ABC NEWS, ABC News, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Perez, a Kendall area resident who represents a western Miami-Dade district, says a little communication could have gone a long way to preventing the whole imbroglio.
    Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Plus, the Anker Power Bank, which has earned over 80,000 perfect ratings, will keep your device’s battery full on the go.
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 26 Jan. 2025
  • In July 2023, the elections division began requiring that those seeking to restore their voting rights in Tennessee both go through the administrative voting rights restoration process and either be granted a pardon or court order restoring their full rights of citizenship.
    Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Once that’s complete, you will get connected with a healthcare provider licensed in your state to start your diagnosis and explore potential treatments.
    Chloe Castleberry, Flow Space, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Jenkins, meanwhile, has helped usher in a complete rethink of Memphis’ offense, one that has made the Grizzlies both unpredictable and effective and led what has historically been a defensive-first squad to a top-five rating on offense.
    John Hollinger, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Vatican has released a comprehensive document offering new guidelines for the ethical development and use of artificial intelligence, with a focus on areas such as warfare and healthcare.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 29 Jan. 2025
  • These kinds of issues frequently pave the way for more comprehensive health optimization.
    Nick Kasmik, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Yes, Kansas City’s defense is incredible and Mahomes is a postseason beast, but Buffalo beat the Chiefs once this season, recording 107 more total yards than the Chiefs on Nov. 17.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The Texans went from 12th to 22nd in total yards, 13th to 19th in points per game and the fewest giveaways in the league to 11th most from 2023 to 2024.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Furniture proved to be a perfect medium for exploring those ideas.
    Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 2 Feb. 2025
  • The Two Point games are perfect for newcomers to the genre, offering just enough challenge and plenty of whimsical scenarios to get your brain jogging.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plenary. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.

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