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

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 Supreme Court justices had just ended a plenary session and were quickly evacuated safely, the court said in a statement. Fox News, 14 Nov. 2024 At the first plenary session of the forum Thursday morning, Moiseyev participated alongside other top Russian leaders. Mandy Taheri, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024 But only three of them showed up for the vote Saturday, with the remaining 105 leaving the plenary hall in protest. Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024 Parliament votes to reject martial law The 300-member National Assembly convened in a plenary session at about 1 a.m. local time to request that Yoon lift the declaration of martial law. Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for plenary 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plenary
Adjective
  • The video combines stop-motion puppetry re-creating the MDR team’s movements with recordings of their actual conversations, signaling to the refiners that they were being monitored the entire time.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Whether aiming for a serene spa-like retreat or a vibrant, modern atmosphere, the right bath mat can set the tone for the entire room.
    Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Your family’s efforts, across a whole generation, to establish financial stability, literally up in smoke.
    Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Took a whole lotta tryin' Just to get up that hill.
    Marc Berman, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Plus, the Anker Power Bank, which has earned over 80,000 perfect ratings, will keep your device’s battery full on the go.
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 26 Jan. 2025
  • In July 2023, the elections division began requiring that those seeking to restore their voting rights in Tennessee both go through the administrative voting rights restoration process and either be granted a pardon or court order restoring their full rights of citizenship.
    Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • These were once holy spaces for ancient civilizations, and each offers a moment of complete awe and a rare look into history.
    John Newton, AFAR Media, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Jenkins, meanwhile, has helped usher in a complete rethink of Memphis’ offense, one that has made the Grizzlies both unpredictable and effective and led what has historically been a defensive-first squad to a top-five rating on offense.
    John Hollinger, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • That included discontinuing certain products, conducting a comprehensive internal review and taking disciplinary measures, making organizational changes and enhancing its internal controls.
    Tara Siegel Bernard, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Continue ahead for a comprehensive list of fashion and beauty brands that are committed to supporting the community in its time of need through donations of resources and/or a percentage proceeds to various relief funds.
    Shelby Ying Hyde, Vogue, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Tapping the card shows more details with your movement score (called Movement Index) graphed over time and total tallies of active minutes and hours.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 24 Jan. 2025
  • In 2023, Johnson's offense finished No. 3 in the league in total yards (394.8) and No. 2 in passing yards (258.9), helping Detroit make a deep playoff run to the NFC Championship Game.
    John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Still, Edwards doesn’t profess to be a future Caleb Williams or even junior quarterback Mason Atkins, who led the Blackhawks to a perfect 9-0 regular season and the Class 8A playoffs last fall.
    Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025
  • And even in a digital world, don’t underestimate the power of real-life, jaw-dropping experiences that are perfect for sharing.
    Monica Gomez, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plenary. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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