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 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
  • Andrew Unterberger: Good planning with the available variants, combined with strong messaging about the album’s place in his catalog — both as the end of this current 2020s album trilogy, and possibly the end of his entire career arc as The Weeknd. 3.
    Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Rose and Grant both say $20k (!), and Dina wants her fiancé to spend three months of his salary plus her entire salary for the year.
    EW.com, EW.com, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Cool, there’s nothing women love more than spending a whole afternoon listing to a guy mansplain money to her.
    EW.com, EW.com, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Last night, the show celebrated its premiere in Los Angeles, and the whole A-list crew turned out for the affair.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The team reimagined and redesigned more than 500 screens full of data.
    Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The complete Shielding Suit, including jacket and pants, costs $5,290.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Fried was talking about 1978, when Guidry also had a 1.74 ERA in 35 starts, including 16 complete games and nine shutouts.
    Brendan Kuty, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The top 25 airlines all meet a list of specific requirements, such as providing a comprehensive full-service experience, and having an economy seat pitch of a minimum of 31 inches.
    Tamara Hardingham-Gill, CNN, 9 Feb. 2025
  • There is also little doubt those comprehensive plans went up in flames.
    Josh Klein, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • While the total number of positions eliminated remains unclear as of Sunday afternoon, the firings appeared to focus on employees in the agency's centers for food, medical devices and tobacco products.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
  • The total tab of nearly $23 billion was more than double initial projections.
    John Hyatt, Forbes, 17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • There are also group classes, perfect for those who want a supportive and interactive environment.
    Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Orly Nail Lacquer On Sale 10% off $9 Buy Now On Amazon This Orly Nail Lacquer comes in a few sheer nude shades, perfect for an American manicure.
    Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 14 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plenary. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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