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

To combat this, job seekers are urged to ask detailed questions about role changes, daily challenges, and expectations from multiple interviewers, ensuring radical transparency before accepting an offer. — Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Governed by representatives of local school boards, RESCs operate with full transparency under public governance, financial oversight, annual independent audits, and statutory reporting requirements. — Leonard Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026

Sheila Weinberg is the founder and CEO of Truth in Accounting, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to improving government financial transparency. — Sheila Weinberg, Baltimore Sun, 9 Aug. 2026

OpenAI and Anthropic deserve credit for disclosing these incidents, however, a system that depends on voluntary transparency is not a safety system. — Andrew Freedman, Fortune, 8 Aug. 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