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 One of the ways Landers combats this tendency is to be radically transparent. Mark C. Perna, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Wells’ mom has vowed to continue advocating for her son while calling for a transparent investigation and answers about what happened to him. Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026 That'd make for an elite addition to any EDC loadout, especially in 90s-style transparent casing. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026 One nail per hand has a little, transparent 3D flower to add texture and interest. Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 2 Aug. 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
  • Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns are closer to the end of their careers than the beginning, and this was made very clear throughout their promos on Raw.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Golden State’s new floor is bright blue – decidedly not a Valkyries team color – and features clear Chase Bank branding throughout.
    Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Cyrus’ flawless-looking skin was in part thanks to the Maybelline New York Lifter Plump and Glow Foundation, a sheer base that can be built up for more coverage.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
  • For her main ensemble, the Catwoman star wore head-to-toe black, including a strappy triangle bikini layered beneath a semi-sheer coverup that doubled as a minidress.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Many people struggled to determine how much liquid to add to dissolve the powder and the correct dose to draw up once it was dissolved.
    C. Michael White, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The researchers analyzed all five types of mucus using various techniques, including proteomics, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, cryoscanning electron microscopy, and liquid chromatography.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The flesh should change from translucent to mostly opaque and flake easily when gently pressed with a fork.
    Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Flags sagged in the rain and translucent ponchos billowed in the wind, but the sound of bagpipes and a booming sousaphone kept the crowd moving.
    Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • These may be restored heritage buildings in European capitals, villa collections overlooking crystalline waters, or—notably in 2025 and 2026—luxury lodges set in deserts, forests, and mountains.
    Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 July 2026
  • That’s a smile piece, too, although Ono looks all business holding a crystalline hammer on the catalog cover photo.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transparent. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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