transparency

noun

trans·​par·​en·​cy tran(t)s-ˈper-ən(t)-sē How to pronounce transparency (audio)
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

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
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.
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 See All Example Sentences for transparency

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of transparency was in 1591

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Cite this Entry

“Transparency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transparency. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

transparency

noun
trans·​par·​en·​cy tran(t)s-ˈpar-ən-sē How to pronounce transparency (audio)
-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 How to pronounce transparency (audio)
plural transparencies
: the quality or state of being transparent

More from Merriam-Webster on transparency

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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