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 The decision was never formally confirmed in a plenary session before the conference ended. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026 Saudi Arabia is the guest of honor at this year’s forum with the Saudi energy minister due to take part in the plenary session with Putin on Friday. — Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 4 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for plenary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plenary
Adjective
  • Not single pieces of treasured family heirlooms, or even a single chair — entire suites of furniture!
    — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 3 Oct. 2026
  • While coach Paul Maurice was unable to confirm the severity of the injury in his postgame press conference, Florida fans are especially anxious, considering an ACL tear kept Barkov out for the entire season last year.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s very much present in both our opening and closing night selections, but also across the whole program.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
  • This whole series has been about honoring the past without having to relive it.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The Russian strikes forcing the full or partial closure of three of Kyiv's six road bridges caused traffic logjams and appeared to be a new tactic in its campaign to torment the city's residents.
    — HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The Russian strikes forcing the full or partial closure of three of Kyiv’s six road bridges caused traffic logjams and appeared to be a new tactic in its campaign to torment the city’s residents.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Cupping treatments come in detoxifying and cellulite targeting versions, and there's a complete slate of massage, sugaring, waxing, aromatherapy, and hair and makeup options.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Although Koerte believes Europe needs to develop greater AI capabilities, complete sovereignty remains a pipe dream.
    — Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • By comparison, human advisors can build a comprehensive financial plan — including investing, taxes, insurance, retirement planning, estate planning and more — based on your specific goals.
    — Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Months later, Straker delivered a comprehensive menu—and when the doors opened, Casa Cruz became London’s hottest restaurant.
    — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The new commitment brings RedBird's total contribution to Skydance to $6 billion, the person said, asking to not be identified because the financing hasn't yet been made public.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The twist is, the would-be brides and grooms must hand total control of their love lives to their families.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The outdoor second-floor deck is perfect for taking a break between museums—there's a table with complimentary coffee, fresh fruit, water, and seltzer available all day.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Hotels, as well as airports, are perfect places to test this technology because their electricity usage follows quite predictable patterns.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Plenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plenary. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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