Synonyms of transparent

transparent

adjective

tran(t)s-ˈper-ənt 

1

as in crystal

easily seen through

bottles of blue transparent glass

Synonyms & Similar Words

• crystal
• clear
• liquid
• translucent
• crystalline
• limpid
• lucid
• pellucid
• sheer
• crystal clear
• lucent
• see-through
• semitransparent
• colorless
• uncolored
• diaphanous
• glassy
• vitreous
• semitranslucent
• transparentized

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• opaque
• colored
• cloudy
• dark
• smoky
• dense
• hazy
• tinted
• nebulous
• misty
• foggy
• glazed
• muddy
• turbid
• murky
• filmy

2

as in clear

not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation

his meaning in leaving the conversation is transparent: he doesn't want to talk about his combat experiences

Synonyms & Similar Words

• crystal
• clear
• liquid
• translucent
• crystalline
• limpid
• lucid
• pellucid
• sheer
• crystal clear
• lucent
• see-through
• semitransparent
• colorless
• uncolored
• diaphanous
• glassy
• vitreous
• semitranslucent
• transparentized

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• opaque
• colored
• cloudy
• dark
• smoky
• dense
• hazy
• tinted
• nebulous
• misty
• foggy
• glazed
• muddy
• turbid
• murky
• filmy

3

as in sheer

very thin and easy to see through

flowy summer dresses made partly of chiffon or other transparent fabrics

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sheer
• translucent
• diaphanous
• crystal
• see-through
• gauzy
• gossamer
• filmy
• clear
• fragile
• gauzelike
• cobwebby
• liquid
• delicate
• crystalline
• gossamery
• limpid
• pellucid
• lucid
• lucent
• flimsy
• colorless
• peekaboo
• uncolored
• insubstantial
• unsubstantial
• dainty
• frail

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• opaque
• cloudy
• smoky
• hazy
• murky
• nebulous
• misty
• foggy
• dull
• drab
• lackluster
• lusterless

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

Recent Examples of transparent

Putting his lean and sinewy physicality to disquieting use, McNairy makes Wilson both unreadable and coldly transparent, giving him equal parts menace and magnetism. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026

The New York Times noted that the nomination and selection process for new USPSTF members is supposed to be transparent and available to the public, but they have not been made available. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 17 Sep. 2026

He was hired by the people of Keyport following growing concerns that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection was not being transparent in their own testing and findings. — Allen Devlin, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

The slender black flies have a red thorax and slightly transparent wings. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026