TRANSPARENT Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

transparent

adjective

tran(t)s-ˈper-ənt

Definition of transparent

as in crystal

easily seen through bottles of blue transparent glass

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in clear

not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation his meaning in leaving the conversation is transparent: he doesn't want to talk about his combat experiences

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sheer

very thin and easy to see through flowy summer dresses made partly of chiffon or other transparent fabrics

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Utilitarian spaces dominate the ground floor, which is topped by two floors of bedrooms and a transparent fourth-floor aerie featuring the main living areas and panoramic views of the surrounding city, bridges and mountains. — Fred Albert, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026 The model also shows stronger performance in areas where traditional depth cameras typically struggle, including detecting and understanding glass surfaces, mirrors, and other transparent objects. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 July 2026 The incident quickly drew public attention and prompted calls for a transparent investigation. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 10 July 2026 How common any sort of voluntary AI disclosure would actually be is unknown, as artists have little incentive to self-report given the stigma around AI music, and those using AI for fraudulent purposes certainly aren’t looking to be transparent. — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 10 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

Definition of crystal

Adjective

While there does still seem to be a clear advantage — in five of the past seven finals, the team playing their semi-final first has won — there have at least been two examples of the eventual champions coming from the second semi-final.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Fort Worth city officials say the goal is to create rules that protect neighborhoods while setting clear standards for future data center development.

— Ken Molestina, CBS News, 14 July 2026

Definition of clear

Adjective

The divisive trend first crossed my desk when Jennifer Lawrence stepped out in Paloma Wool’s sheer sarong-style version of the piece last summer, pairing the flowy garment with a cool oversized T-shirt and strappy sling-backs.

— Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 11 July 2026
Perfumers often create this effect with notes like white musk, skin musk, aldehydes, watery florals, sheer woods, and delicate citrus, which together can evoke a cozy sense of self-care.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 11 July 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

The factory in the former Gildan building in Granite Industrial Park will make data center hardware such as liquid cooling enclosures and server racks.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2026
Beyond this, next generation reactor technologies, several of which are being deployed, use coolants such as helium, molten salt, and liquid metal instead of water.

— Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of liquid

Adjective

The dialogue, terse and contemporary, puts his distinguished cast of actors in their comfort zone and turns ancient, iridescently complex figures crystalline and hard-edged.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 July 2026
That process is called carbonation, in which carbon dioxide from the air seeps into the concrete and reacts with calcium-rich compounds, leaving behind calcite, a hard crystalline mineral.

— Sam Macdonald, Scientific American, 11 July 2026

Definition of crystalline

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“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transparent. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of transparent

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