transparent

adjective

trans·​par·​ent tran(t)s-ˈper-ənt How to pronounce transparent (audio)
1
a(1)
: having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly : pellucid
(2)
: allowing the passage of a specified form of radiation (such as X-rays or ultraviolet light)
b
: fine or sheer enough to be seen through : diaphanous
2
a
: free from pretense or deceit : frank
b
: easily detected or seen through : obvious
c
: readily understood
d
: characterized by visibility or accessibility of information especially concerning business practices
transparently adverb
transparentness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for transparent

clear, transparent, translucent, limpid mean capable of being seen through.

clear implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness.

clear water

transparent implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly.

a transparent sheet of film

translucent implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond.

translucent frosted glass

limpid suggests the soft clearness of pure water.

her eyes were limpid pools of blue

Examples of transparent in a Sentence

bottles of blue transparent glass his meaning in leaving the conversation is transparent: he doesn't want to talk about his combat experiences
Recent Examples on the Web This gets its name from the manner in which store windows and glass counters are smashed, with items locked inside transparent displays often quickly grabbed, bagged and then quickly sold online. Thomas Elias, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024 The state is poised to expand school choice — unless the faulty arguments and transparent agenda of the union carry the day. Andrew Fowler, National Review, 5 Mar. 2024 Banks aren’t totally marked down, but the CMBS market is more transparent. Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 Beyond, the mostly flat backyard hosts a sprawling lawn and 62-foot infinity pool with a transparent edge that seemingly hovers over the city far below. James McClain, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2024 If ‘hey-hanging’ has already transpired within an organization, employers should be transparent in their communication and kindly, not sternly, remind employees of the importance of collaboration and respect towards others. Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The thing is, once trees and shrubs have lost their leaves, and the stalks of perennials are mere shadows of their former, vibrant selves, the garden becomes transparent, revealing new work that needs to be done. Robert Klose, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Feb. 2024 From investigative reports on government to coverage of local politicians, the news served to make all the institutions and individuals covered a bit more transparent and, possibly, more honest. David Streitfeld, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2024 Financial Times Performance reviews will likely shift from a formal annual meeting to a constant stream of feedback, as companies opt for more efficient and transparent workplaces. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'transparent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin transparent-, transparens, present participle of transparēre to show through, from Latin trans- + parēre to show oneself

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of transparent was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near transparent

Cite this Entry

“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transparent. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

transparent

adjective
trans·​par·​ent tran(t)s-ˈpar-ənt How to pronounce transparent (audio)
-ˈper-
1
a
: transmitting light so that objects lying beyond are entirely visible
b
: fine or sheer enough to be seen through
transparent gauze
2
: easily detected or understood : obvious
transparent falsehood
transparently adverb

Medical Definition

transparent

adjective
trans·​par·​ent -ənt How to pronounce transparent (audio)
1
: having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly
2
: allowing the passage of a specified form of radiation (as X-rays or ultraviolet light)

More from Merriam-Webster on transparent

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