replete

adjective

re·​plete ri-ˈplēt How to pronounce replete (audio)
1
: fully or abundantly provided or filled
a book replete with … delicious detailsWilliam Safire
2
a
: abundantly fed
b
: fat, stout
3
repleteness noun

Did you know?

Given that one of the roots of replete is the Latin verb plēre, meaning "to fill," it isn't surprising that the word has synonyms such as full and complete. Replete, full, and complete all indicate that something contains all that is wanted or needed or possible, but there are also subtle differences between the words. Full implies the presence or inclusion of everything that can be held, contained, or attained ("a full schedule"), while complete applies when all that is needed is present ("a complete picture of the situation"). Replete is the synonym of choice when fullness is accompanied by a sense of satiety.

Choose the Right Synonym for replete

full, complete, plenary, replete mean containing all that is wanted or needed or possible.

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

complete applies when all that is needed is present.

a complete picture of the situation

plenary adds to complete the implication of fullness without qualification.

given plenary power

replete implies being filled to the brim or to satiety.

replete with delightful details

Examples of replete in a Sentence

The book is replete with photographs. The country's history is replete with stories of people who became successful by working hard.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The latter is replete with magnolia motifs, Su embroidery, and more than 70 original artworks. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 1 Nov. 2024 However, the plethora of Monday night cocktail parties were as ever packed and the famous ‘Booze Alley’ was replete with attendees chattering late into the night (and early into the morning). Jake Kanter, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2024 In classic Singer form, its body panels are naturally carbon fiber and its interior is replete with the brand’s characteristic woven leather. Christian Gilbertsen, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2024 The main altar was replete with gold and silver iconography, but we were fascinated by a humbler display. Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for replete 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English replet, replete, repleet "filled (with), filled with food or drink, sated, having an excess of humors," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French replet "filled," borrowed from Latin replētus "full (of), fully endowed (with)," from past participle of replēre "to make full again, replenish, restore, fill up, sate," from re- re- + plēre "to fill" — more at full entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of replete was in the 14th century

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Dictionary Entries Near replete

Cite this Entry

“Replete.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/replete. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

replete

adjective
re·​plete ri-ˈplēt How to pronounce replete (audio)
1
: fully or well provided or filled
a book replete with illustrations
2
: well fed
repleteness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on replete

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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