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 Her major priorities include fiscal stewardship, student outcomes and transparent governance. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026 Access to third-party screening forms, treatment task tracking and care plan reviews can help ensure progress is measurable and transparent. — Sameer Bhat, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026 Glanville has been transparent about her financial situation after being diagnosed with a fungal infection, a type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and more. — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026 The product is packaged in 90-gram transparent plastic containers. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for transparent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transparent
Adjective
  • O’Connor’s face filled the screen, her crystal-blue eyes piercing me in my own living room.
    — Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 25 July 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • The janitor resumed snapping at the bushes with her shears—tiny, clear quartz beads scattered.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Investigators were looking into the cause of the crash, which was not immediately clear.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Known as the Shark Bay UNESCO World Heritage Site, the place gets its name from English buccaneer-cum-naturalist William Dampier, who was overcome by the bay’s sheer abundance and the size of the marine predators during a visit in 1699.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Through the sheer force of his will and his brilliant comedic timing, Bratton was elevated to a cast member by the second season.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • This has also been seen from orbit many times in photos from the International Space Station and, in fact, was seen by the Cassini spacecraft at Saturn when sunlight reflected off lakes of liquid methane on its huge moon Titan.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
  • New futures contracts often struggle to generate meaningful trading activity, and those that do succeed can take years to build a liquid market with abundant buyers and sellers.
    — Bruce Blythe, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Clear glass doesn’t typically get a premium, but translucent pieces can.
    — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent and tender, 8–10 minutes.
    — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • From every theoretical point of view, Dovner was transforming the Soviet system, which had been conceived as something of perfect, crystalline purity.
    — Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The three-stage process increased the amount of crystalline material while the nanotubes helped orient those crystals.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transparent. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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