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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 In 2020 Bettel oversaw a government reorganization of the royal budget, bringing in more transparent accounts after years of opaque spending. Vivienne Walt, Time, 3 Oct. 2025 The blog post also promised that The Boring Company will be transparent with the Nashville community about the project and provide bimonthly progress updates on its website and X account. Hadley Hitson, Nashville Tennessean, 2 Oct. 2025 These contingency plans are really important to be transparent for the public. Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 2 Oct. 2025 This limited run has a transparent shell so that astrophotographers can observe the inner workings of a smart telescope in action. Harry Bennett, Space.com, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for transparent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transparent
Adjective
  • The two areas are linked in delightfully indulgent ways, including a darkly glamorous corridor swagged with flower chandeliers and a giant eye behind the bar, with crystal eyelashes.
    Sarah Turner, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Even the transition between floors is theatrical, with a crystal elevator that offers shifting vistas of the bay.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The details of his condition and what prompted his lengthy absence are not clear, although a news release issued by the city last year said Richardson had undergone multiple life-threatening surgeries.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Progressives have struggled to counteract that, lacking both the money and a clear storyline.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The sheer expanse of places to see in Japan is astounding.
    Kristin Braswell, AFAR Media, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Sources of succor and disquiet—currents which Winter has ridden in life and art—each female elder is a maternal presence who offers complementary textures to the tapestry Winter has woven from threads of experience and sheer imagination.
    Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The state Department of Health Services warns e-cigarettes can become a stepping stone to addiction and liquid nicotine can contain heavy metals like lead, among other health risks.
    Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • At one workstation, a worker uses liquid epoxy to glue fiberglass reinforcing sheets to wooden blades, in batches of six.
    Joseph Hostetler, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • All of the shoe’s other signature details remain intact including a vibrant yellow suede upper, icy translucent outsole, reflective tongue detailing and custom heel embroidery.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Their fins and whisker-like barbels are translucent.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • All crew, all crew — Below Deck Med is pulling up to port for another summer cruising the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean coast.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2025
  • What has been lost (or sacrificed) is the continuous thrill-ride ecstasy of No One, where short, crystalline paragraphs propel the reader ever onward.
    Paul McAdory, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transparent. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on transparent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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