Definition of transparentnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective transparent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of transparent are clear, limpid, and translucent. While all these words mean "capable of being seen through," transparent implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly.

a transparent sheet of film

When is it sensible to use clear instead of transparent?

The words clear and transparent can be used in similar contexts, but clear implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness.

clear water

When can limpid be used instead of transparent?

The words limpid and transparent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, limpid suggests the soft clearness of pure water.

her eyes were limpid pools of blue

Where would translucent be a reasonable alternative to transparent?

The meanings of translucent and transparent largely overlap; however, translucent implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond.

translucent frosted glass

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 transparent The colors are transparent enough to show the intricate fish-bone weave of the carbon fiber beneath. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 8 July 2026 As businesses continue adapting to an increasingly transparent digital marketplace, some industry observers suggest that reputation intelligence may play a larger role in the future. William Jones, USA Today, 7 July 2026 Maas explains that Microsoft’s moves are designed to be extremely transparent and extremely frank about the state of Xbox within the tech giant. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 7 July 2026 In Washington, at least two senators have been calling on Tesla CEO Elon Musk to be more transparent about the company’s driver assistance technology. Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for transparent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transparent
Adjective
  • Beside the dessert sat a crystal coupe overflowing with Caramelized Shallot Dip from Every Leaf, Every Stem.
    Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 June 2026
  • Teigen shared several photos from the trip on Instagram, including one picture of Legend holding their two oldest kids, Luna and Miles, in the crystal blue pool.
    Joyann Jeffrey, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • Just how charged the debate has become was clear when the Greens filed a motion of no confidence against the government on Thursday over its heatwave response.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
  • The Million Dollar Highway is open year-round, but it’s periodically closed to clear rockslides and avalanches.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Adjective
  • The sleeveless gown featured a semi-sheer corset bodice with a curtain of lace foliage that cascaded down past the thigh-high slit, forming an elegant silhouette.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 2026
  • Nonetheless, some 120,000 Mint Juleps are consumed across two sunny days at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby, proving that some cocktails can become refreshing daytime summer sippers just by sheer force of will, and a little crushed ice.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • The plug-and-play design can be installed using a heavy-duty forklift and relies on simple air cooling instead of more complex liquid cooling systems.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
  • Maybe there will be liquid biopsies (specialized blood tests) or even cheek swabs that can detect breast cancer.
    Tara Thomas, Glamour, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • The translucent finish and bright orange color looks just like a splash of Aperol.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 5 July 2026
  • Sunlight entering translucent barrels can cause rapid algae blooms, says Scott.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • In the image of Messier 94, a spiral galaxy that’s also known as NGC 4736, Chandra’s X-ray data becomes a whistling wind while dense features such as neutron stars and stellar-mass black holes ring in crystalline tones from a glass marimba.
    Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 4 July 2026
  • Science aside, the clean, crystalline water inspires an irresistible urge to dive right in.
    Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transparent. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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