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

Examples 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 In 2020, Trump staked out a clear constitutional position with Vice President Mike Pence and his MAGA crowd, i.e., the vice president is constitutionally endowed with plenary authority to decide which state electoral votes to count under the 12th Amendment. Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 23 July 2024 The Central Committee of the ruling Chinese Communist Party, made up of more than 300 people including full and alternate members, typically holds seven plenary meetings during each five-year term. Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 19 July 2024 The four-day meeting of the Communist Party’s 205-member Central Committee is the third plenary session of a five-year term that started in 2022. Kathryn Preston, Fortune Asia, 15 July 2024 Ten senior members of his administration participated in plenary sessions or fireside chats at the network’s meeting. Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for plenary 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plenary
Adjective
  • Now comes perhaps his biggest challenge yet: Taking over a San Jose Earthquakes team that finished last in the entire league and gave up the most goals (78) in MLS history.
    Harold Gutmann, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Some fans threatened to boycott the entire franchise.
    Irenie Forshaw, theweek, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Some visitors book the whole hut and bring friends and family, while others reserve available beds in unbooked rooms.
    Margaret Jackson, The Denver Post, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Former Trump officials have taken this to a whole new level, however.
    Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Lawrence Gostin, director of the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University, said if Republicans do take full control of Congress, those changes could be significant.
    Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • To go directly to Contra Costa County’s election results site, use this link. County supervisor City offices If the full list of city races fails to display, see the county registrar’s website.
    Bay Area News Group, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The lot of the property covers a substantial area of 0.6-acre, complete with a pool for outdoor enjoyment.
    Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024
  • The Registrar of Voters said after election night, results will be updated daily at 5 p.m., except weekends, until the counting is complete.
    Jonathan Horwitz, Orange County Register, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Thanks to comprehensive smoke-free laws and other tobacco control policies, smoking rates in the United States are at historic low levels, with 11.5% of U.S. adults smoking in 2021.
    David Stempel, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
  • The company reported a comprehensive loss of $2.7 million for the quarter, compared to $2.2 million in the previous year.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Otherwise, their offense has been effective, ranking second in total yards per game for the second straight year.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024
  • The breakdown of glycine and leucine, the two amino acids added to the blood, were deemed responsible for as much as 60% of the bat’s total energy production during the run.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The Daylite Expandable Travel Pack is part of a collection that’s perfect for those who start their adventure at the airport.
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
  • On a night like this, my proclivity is to try and see as much of the board as possible to feed my anxiety — this is perfect for that.
    Jen Chaney, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Plenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plenary. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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