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 Decisions about these funds deserve careful analysis, consistent standards, and a transparent process that earns public confidence. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026 The effects crew also rebuilt Rocky’s transparent xenonite barriers digitally to remove reflections, hide operators and maintain the complicated play of light through the set. — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026 The Washington Post reiterated its call for a full and transparent investigation, though Israel rarely investigates settler violence fully. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026 But dating apps are not largely not transparent about how personal information is stored, analyzed, and shared and require you to legally consent to sharing data. — Sneha Dhandapani, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 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
  • That experience is backed up by research and investigations in various states, which make clear that voting by noncitizens is extremely rare.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Unequivocally condemn these acts of violence and issue a clear appeal for every mobilization to be peaceful.
    — Tyler Speicher, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The tracks, the engineers, the data, the media attention, the sheer amount of racing—the Formula 1 World Championship consists of twenty-plus races, on five continents, in nine months.
    — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The silhouette was mostly formfitting and streamlined, with emphasis at the hips and waist and a continuation of the contrasting sheer, black fabric running down the column skirt.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • This is made possible by the system’s zero-liquid-discharge technology, which evaporates the brine into solid salt and reduces the need to handle liquid waste.
    — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • A lot of uncertainty remains in the lift capacity of Starship, as well as in how much cryogenic methane and liquid oxygen will boil off in orbit and how efficient the process of transferring propellants from one ship to another will be.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The brand's emblem, which is incorporated into the translucent monoblock LED taillight beneath the seat and is sculpted by the bike's lights themselves, is the most noticeable of all Fragment elements.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Vans’ signature checkerboard print can also be made out beneath a translucent outsole.
    — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Clouds gathered and the crystalline blue broke often for ominous gray.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
  • This process, which generates perfectly crystalline silicon ingots to be sliced like fragile metallic salamis into thin wafers, is entrusted largely to one firm in Taiwan and two in Japan.
    — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transparent. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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