transparency

noun

trans·​par·​en·​cy tran(t)s-ˈper-ən(t)-sē 

plural transparencies

1

: the quality or state of being transparent

2

: something transparent

especially : a picture (as on film) viewed by light shining through it or by projection

Synonyms of transparency

• clarity
• brightness

Examples of transparency in a Sentence

the transparency of a piece of glass

the transparency of their motives

He says that there needs to be more transparency in the way the government operates.

The professor used transparencies and an overhead projector during her lectures.

Recent Examples on the Web

But even with the booming growth of college sports, the market hasn’t translated into the financial transparency necessary to keep pay honest. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026

The proper accounting of military fatalities has implications beyond public transparency. — Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026

By Friday, Streets For All had nearly two dozen different video spots opposing Bass over such issues as homelessness, transparency and the Palisades fire, according to Ethics Commission filings. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

Landmark legislation designed to alert consumers to where their drugs were made is headed for a full Senate vote, but safety experts say the transparency bill has been stripped of two of its most critical provisions. — Naisha Roy, ProPublica, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for transparency

• inerrancy

Kids Definition

transparency

noun

trans·​par·​en·​cy tran(t)s-ˈpar-ən-sē 

-ˈper-

plural transparencies

1

: the quality or state of being transparent

2

: a picture or design on glass, thin cloth, paper, or film viewed by shining light through it or by projection

Medical Definition

transparency

noun

trans·​par·​en·​cy tran(t)s-ˈpar-ən-sē 

plural transparencies

: the quality or state of being transparent