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 The incident has renewed scrutiny of how transparent AI companies are about their models’ failures. Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026 The sunscreen itself is completely transparent, absorbs quickly, and sits comfortably under makeup without pilling. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2026 The store, with a transparent facade, sits on two levels, each measuring about 320 square feet. Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026 Part of the appeal for the filmmakers was The Orchard made a point of being more transparent than other distributors. Brent Lang, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 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
  • Mourinho’s aim to get closer to his players has been especially clear with the team’s biggest names.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Congress has bipartisan bills in the works aimed at setting clearer federal consumer protections, including age verification.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Beyond its sheer size and resort-level amenities, the estate’s value lies in the kind of construction and materials that are difficult to replicate at today’s costs.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The baby pink style was made of a sheer, breezy pink fabric and featured crystallized spaghetti straps that gave way to frindgy crystalized trim that decorated the hem.
    Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The researchers emphasized its relevance for aerospace systems utilizing liquid oxygen, where efficient proton transport can significantly influence overall fuel-cell performance.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Those regulations for liquids in carry-ons stem from 2006, when British officials foiled a plot to bring liquid explosives on flights.
    Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Participants will apply traditional Japanese colors to ultra-thin, nearly translucent silk, painting not only from the front but also experimenting with urazaishiki, or reverse-side coloring, as well as delicate gradation techniques.
    The Editors of ARTnews, ARTnews.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The Year of Perfect Skin, for instance, was more than an example of self-centeredness, more than an effort to turn my face translucent, luminous as a moonstone set in silver prongs.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Another image showed clear plastic bags containing a crystalline substance authorities identified as methamphetamine.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Annealing could potentially restore crystalline order in an irradiated material.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transparent. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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