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 of transparency

• 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

Academic performance, attendance, fiscal management and the recruitment and retention of quality teachers are key issues, along with transparency and ethics in a district whose board was taken over by the state 10 years ago. — Sophia Veneziano, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026

Regulation that requires transparency and traceability of how models are trained is the answer to that problem. — Stephen Messer, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026

The platforms also lack transparency, making oversight difficult, the researchers note. — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

To take wellness measurement seriously, the metrics must be treated with the same rigor, transparency and accountability as financial reporting. — Anand Solanki, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

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