transparency

noun

trans·​par·​en·​cy tran(t)s-ˈper-ən(t)-sē 

plural transparencies

1

: the quality or state of being transparent

2

: something transparent

especially : a picture (as on film) viewed by light shining through it or by projection

Synonyms

• clarity
• brightness

Examples of transparency in a Sentence

the transparency of a piece of glass

the transparency of their motives

He says that there needs to be more transparency in the way the government operates.

The professor used transparencies and an overhead projector during her lectures.

Recent Examples on the Web

But 60–70% of large-cap EU companies continue to report earnings quarterly, maintaining transparency for investors despite the absence of a legal mandate. —Richard Torrenzano, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025

Lala’s journey of self-discovery is told with honesty, transparency, and urgency, giving voice to the emotions and choices that many young people and students often carry in silence. —Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025

This year, two states passed legislation regarding downcoding, both focused on transparency. —Kenzi Abou-Sabe, NBC news, 9 Oct. 2025

The material maintains the processability and transparency engineers need while solving PLA’s marine persistence problem. —Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for transparency

• inerrancy

Kids Definition

transparency

noun

trans·​par·​en·​cy tran(t)s-ˈpar-ən-sē 

-ˈper-

plural transparencies

1

: the quality or state of being transparent

2

: a picture or design on glass, thin cloth, paper, or film viewed by shining light through it or by projection

Medical Definition

transparency

noun

trans·​par·​en·​cy tran(t)s-ˈpar-ən-sē 

plural transparencies

: the quality or state of being transparent