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 To keep the work that is already underway moving and make sure city government remains transparent, accountable and responsible to you. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026 Elections in this state, like most states, are free and fair and transparent and run by real pros. — Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026 Guests walked through a forest to a giant transparent structure that housed the reception. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026 Let Customers Choose Between Clear Options Set boundaries by making the tradeoff transparent. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for transparent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transparent
Adjective
  • Damask-pattern wallcovering—a pretty perk that came with the house—dresses up the traditional entryway, which the couple crowned with a crystal light fixture brought from their former New York apartment.
    — Kelly Ryan Kegans, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Nov. 2026
  • O’Connor’s face filled the screen, her crystal-blue eyes piercing me in my own living room.
    — Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • Congress should fund that capacity and require clear schedules for resolving interrupted awards and disbursing recovery support.
    — Carole LaBonne, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Let’s also be clear, Kristen, that securing our border is still popular with the American people.
    — NBC news, NBC news, 8 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Daylight filters through sheer curtains at the floor-to-ceiling windows, and nearly every room opens onto a furnished patio or balcony overlooking the pool or the city.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Ess’ personal favorite is Veil of Vanilla, a sheer woody vanilla scent.
    — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 13 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Part of the improvements to the McClellan Park facility will include a 25,000 gallon liquid hydrogen storage system.
    — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Goldman's relationships with corporate executives give its advisors the ability to reach potential clients before major transactions turn their holdings into liquid wealth.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 13 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Visual refinements to the translucent Liquid Glass interface improve the overall design, with a cleaner look and sharper border contrast.
    — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Scibelli suggests starting with lips free of other products and dusting on a light layer of translucent powder before lip liner and lipstick, according to Allure.
    — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Building cells in-house HJT technology combines a crystalline silicon wafer with thin layers of amorphous silicon.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Ancient crystalline rocks mark its bottom, while sandstones laid down as life started to diversify during the Cambrian explosion mark the top.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 6 Nov. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transparent. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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