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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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 In the United States, the standards body responsible for IT sustainability metrics (ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 39) is conducting active revision of its standards through 2026, with a key plenary meeting in May 2026. Arjun Sharma, IEEE Spectrum, 17 Feb. 2026 While currently under revision, the CSDDD was seemingly significantly impacted by the omnibus simplification package proposals, though details should emerge from tomorrow’s plenary session. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 16 Dec. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for plenary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plenary
Adjective
  • It is also written with classical punctuation, whereby a paragraph or even an entire story might be written across the duration of a single period, the narration mingling with character voices that ifntrude unannounced.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 May 2026
  • His shoulders start to lean, and soon his entire body is going along for the ride, a roller-coaster rounding the corner into a death plunge.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • February 19 – March 20 A small change at home could make your whole body relax today.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
  • She was also slapped into another dimension by Jules (Hunter Schafer) after lobbing several insults at her about Jules’ whole sugar baby situation.
    Marlow Stern, Variety, 24 May 2026
Adjective
  • The classic-cool brand makes up a good chunk of my wardrobe—and, not to brag, but almost none of it was purchased at full-price.
    Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 25 May 2026
  • Start by placing the plants in a shady area with no full sun for three or four days.
    Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
Adjective
  • The unfussy style features a sleek silhouette, complete with a scoop neckline and a moderate-coverage bottom.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 24 May 2026
  • Alison Ortega threw a complete game with seven strikeouts in La Mirada’s 5-1 win over La Habra.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026
Adjective
  • California’s housing reforms in recent years have been among the most comprehensive in the country.
    Christina Mojica, Oc Register, 26 May 2026
  • The coach declares her team’s strategies as the best and most comprehensive in the country.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Patriot Rail’s Cowlitz County and Columbia Railway warehouse and locomotive repair shop building, where the fire originated, was a total loss.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 29 May 2026
  • The series generated 878,000 total viewers across two half-hour shows on Friday, May 22, according to Nielsen data.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • There are no perfect conditions for making art.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 May 2026
  • India has deep literary traditions in several regional languages, and this delicious novella, translated from Kannada, is a perfect amuse-bouche.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 27 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Plenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plenary. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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