plenary

adjective

ˈple-nə-rē How to pronounce plenary (audio)
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 Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame captured the mood among business and political leaders gathered at the opening plenary of the forum a day earlier urging Africans to stop accepting deal terms set outside the continent. — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 15 May 2026 National Bureau of Investigation agents tried to serve the ICC arrest warrant, but dela Rosa darted toward a narrow stairway into the Senate plenary hall and sought the help of allied senators, who took him into protective custody. — Jim Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 Popular Party deputy Cayetana Alvarez de Toledo is seen speaking during a plenary session of Spain's Congress, April 22, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. — Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026 Iran’s Deputy Defence Minister Majid Ebnoreza (L) shakes hands with China’s former defence attache to the USA Zhang Li after speaking during a plenary session of the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing on September 19, 2025. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plenary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plenary
  1. entire
  2. whole
  3. full
  4. complete
  5. comprehensive
  6. total
  7. perfect
Adjective
  • As a result of her refusal, the entire kingdom is cursed to live without love and anyone who steps foot inside it is also cursed.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Monday's meeting will be open to the entire church body, both sides said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of entire
Adjective
  • When mortgage defaults started going up, the whole system began to unwind.
    — Kif Leswing, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Could the network use the money saved from that to buy the handful of new games from a 20-team field and keep the whole thing?
    — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of whole
Adjective
  • Similarly, loading up the XI for the opener away to Fulham with players who have enjoyed the benefits of a full pre-season makes sense, too.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Regal Cinemas, for example, has 4DX auditoriums with multisensory enhancements that bring the film world into the real world with full-body immersion synced up with the on-screen action.
    — Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • Howard County initially approved permits for the project but revoked them in February 2026, when construction was nearly complete.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Of course, no proper French meal would be complete without wine.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of complete
Adjective
  • Police Chief Alex Gammelgard said the decision follows a comprehensive review of the technology and its future, as well as conversations with community members and changes in how ALPR systems are being used by government agencies.
    — Lyanne Wang, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • But Abbott’s data center pause offers false expectations of a comprehensive audit.
    — John Kostyack, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • During the height of that conflict, which had 42 days of active combat, the US sent six aircraft carriers to the region from a total fleet of 15.
    — Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • For students from outside of Arizona, tuition is more than $35,000 and the total cost of attendance is around $60,000 before scholarships.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of total
Adjective
  • Although umbrella insurance is far from perfect ― for instance, intentional acts are generally excluded ― umbrella insurance can provide much larger coverage amounts for things already covered by other policies with lower limits.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Brionna Jones, returning from injury and still finding her footing, went a perfect 5-of-5 from the field for 15 points.
    — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of perfect

Browse Nearby Words

pledging
plenary
plenipotentiaries
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Cite this Entry

“Plenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plenary. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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