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 There is no doubt that Secretary Noem’s decision was within the plenary discretion of the executive branch to make, in addition to being the right call on policy grounds given the disastrous results of Biden’s non-enforcement of immigration law. The Editors, National Review, 20 May 2025 The event’s security corralled guests — billionaires and junior consultants alike — into the plenary to wait in suspense while the Saudi and American leaders held their meetings. Natasha Turak, CNBC, 14 May 2025 Down a long hall is the Youth Leadership Council, a plenary of teens who brainstorm ideas for these Wednesday gatherings. Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2025 The opening plenary also includes a panel moderated by Jessica Nabongo—the first Black woman to visit every country—with activist Karen Washington and chef Mashama Bailey. Taryn White, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plenary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plenary
Adjective
  • Or harvest the fruits after the entire vine dies at the end of the season.
    Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
  • American Civil Liberties Union attorney Rebecca Sheff says the federal government is testing a more punitive approach to border enforcement with the new military zones and worries it will be expanded across the entire border.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • With that insurance, you'll reportedly be covered for theft of the whole bike, theft of components and the cost of a total write-off.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 July 2025
  • Original price: $129.99 Clean your whole home, from carpets to wood floors, with a BLACK+DECKER cordless stick vacuum.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • On the second floor is also a full bathroom with a standing shower.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
  • The breezy capri length hits just right for warm days, offering an airy feel without going full short.
    Taylor Jean Stephan, People.com, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Check out our complete list of the Best Prime Day TV deals for more recommendations.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025
  • Now, fans only need to wait until July 25 to get their hands on the complete EP.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • For the first time, the public had access to a centralized, comprehensive online resource offering the latest research on sea level change, along with an interactive database that allowed users to explore how sea levels have changed over recent decades.
    Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 1 July 2025
  • Five Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service teams conducted comprehensive on-site assessments in Mexico this month to evaluate containment efforts.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • In total, the current WUSD school board members bring under nine years of experience to the job.
    Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 11 July 2025
  • In total, the portfolio of teams is worth more than $21 billion, finds Ozanian.
    Alex Sherman, CNBC, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Original price: $179.99 The Florence by Mills Women's two wheel rolling travel duffle bag is perfect for weekend getaways or longer trips.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
  • Shop matching sets with chic cropped pants, flowy skirts, and breezy shorts that are perfect for your next weekend getaway, beach trip, or brunch date.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Plenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plenary. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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