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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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
  • Wemby likely won’t miss the entire series with a concussion, but Portland has a great opportunity to put the Spurs in a hole with two home games coming up.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Smaller, independent businesses often have more flexibility to source locally, and your dollars are more likely to circulate through an entire regional supply chain instead of reinforcing national ones.
    Maryam Ahmed, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Bischoff found the whole situation bizarre.
    Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Attempts to engage with restless residents who worried about where the whole effort was headed.
    John Aguilar, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Granted, Houston was without Kevin Durant so both teams are hoping to get back to full strength as soon as possible.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
  • But Johnson will have a full plate when the House returns on Monday, with a second reconciliation bill, and funding of the Department of Homeland Security on the horizon.
    Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • No patio is complete without some decorative accessories, according to Kerith Flynn, the founder of Margali & Flynn Designs.
    Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 19 Apr. 2026
  • On the other end, the Rockets were a complete mess, dissolving in two whining technical fouls in the third quarter that sealed their fate.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • At a recent event in Atlanta, Wellstar Health System provided comprehensive medical evaluations, part of an ongoing effort to identify and address chronic conditions that can emerge years after players leave the game.
    Roni Robbins, AJC.com, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Bolstered by the network, WBBM’s comprehensive local news coverage has continued to resonate with Chicago listeners.
    Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Patriots entered Thursday with 11 total picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
  • In the wake of the Iranian attack on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz yesterday, MarineTraffic tracking data shows an almost total standstill of vessels transiting through the waterway.
    Sean Nevin, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The vision conceived by museum director and Chief Executive Michael Govan and architect Peter Zumthor is not perfect, and brings with it a modest set of frustrations, but as a whole, the installation registers as ravishing and bracingly fresh.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Columbines are perfect for gardeners seeking quick, stunning blooms without long waits.
    Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 22 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Plenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plenary. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster