replete

adjective

re·plete ri-ˈplēt

Synonyms of replete next

: fully or abundantly provided or filled

a book replete with … delicious details—

William Safire

: abundantly fed

: fat, stout

: complete

repleteness noun

Did you know?

It’s no coincidence that replete and complete are close in meaning. Both words come from the Latin verb plēre, meaning "to fill," and both indicate that something contains all that is wanted, needed, or possible. There are some subtle differences in usage, however. Complete applies when all that is needed is present ("a complete picture of the situation"), whereas replete is the synonym of choice when fullness is accompanied by a sense of satiety ("the buffet was replete with dishes from all over the world"). Etymology fans may be interested to know that the list of plēre descendants doesn't end with these two; English is in fact replete with them. Some other words supplied by this Latin verb include deplete, expletive, implement, and supply.

Choose the Right Synonym for replete

full, complete, plenary, replete mean containing all that is wanted or needed or possible.

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

complete applies when all that is needed is present.

a complete picture of the situation

plenary adds to complete the implication of fullness without qualification.

given plenary power

replete implies being filled to the brim or to satiety.

replete with delightful details

Examples of replete in a Sentence

The book is replete with photographs. The country's history is replete with stories of people who became successful by working hard.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

So too are Sharon, Kent, and Millerton—towns that are replete with book and antique shops, farmer’s markets, and great restaurants. —

Ariel Okin, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2025 The autonomous island is replete with natural resources, from the oil and gas that power the economies of today to critical minerals that will power the economies of the future. —

Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025 The college football offseason is replete with daily news of potential roster departures and additions. —

Christopher Kamrani, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025 Her life was replete with accomplishments across athletics, arts and academics. —

Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for replete

Word History

Etymology

Middle English replet, replete, repleet "filled (with), filled with food or drink, sated, having an excess of humors," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French replet "filled," borrowed from Latin replētus "full (of), fully endowed (with)," from past participle of replēre "to make full again, replenish, restore, fill up, sate," from re- re- + plēre "to fill" — more at full entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of replete was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Replete.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/replete. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

replete

adjective

re·plete ri-ˈplēt

: fully or well provided or filled

a book replete with illustrations

: well fed

repleteness noun

Last Updated: 27 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

edify

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

replete

adjective

Did you know?

Synonyms

Examples of replete in a Sentence

Word History

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near replete

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition