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
  • Therefore, analysts note that if extreme weather worsens water and power scarcity, the impact could ripple through the entire semiconductor supply chain.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Still, there’s a kind of hip, comfort food aspect to the entire enterprise that keeps it an easy, if slightly cluttered and overlong watch.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of entire
Adjective
  • Your practical instincts are useful, Virgo, but don’t arrive with the whole plan already laminated.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Naturally, with three more Salt Lake City wives at the Alter Ego Party, Gizelle is ready to further investigate why Lisa is in a battle with her whole cast.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of whole
Adjective
  • The Irish Examiner spoke with a young crafter who described cooking alongside knitting and crochet as some of her most mindful time, because the activities require her full attention.
    — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Parking at Ventura Harbor is free Monday through Thursday, and $10 for a full-day pass Friday through Sunday and on major holidays.
    — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • To defeat Iran would be a complete victory, not only for Israel but for the entire Middle East.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Those tests should reveal how well the modular architecture performs once individual components operate as part of a complete launcher.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of complete
Adjective
  • In its comprehensive plan, the city of Eagle identifies the BLM land Bobo is cleaning up as a major component of the Foothills, calling for public lands to be incorporated into a larger open-space and wildlife-corridor network.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 2 Sep. 2026
  • MacGregor has signed contracts with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard to supply comprehensive roll-on/roll-off equipment for the two vessels, marking one of its most extensive scopes for roll-on/roll-off passenger ferries to date.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • The calculation refers to nominal total returns, combining coupon income and changes in the bond's market price.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The team was unable to protect its quarterbacks or consistently move the ball, finishing last in the NFL in total offense while allowing a league-high 64 sacks.
    — Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of total
Adjective
  • Wrigley Field is a perfect setting for a rom-com, since many young fans are looking for romance and not paying a whole lot of attention to the actual game.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Travis This name is perfect for fans of the Super Bowl-winning tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs, Travis Kelce (or his famous girlfriend, Taylor Swift).
    — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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