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

And this is Portland, Oregon, where people want more public transparency than there has been. — Jason Quick, New York Times, 20 July 2026

As governments and technology companies invest billions of dollars in quantum computing, concerns about verification, transparency, and reliability are becoming increasingly important. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026

For anyone still motivated to cheat, election systems in the United States are designed with multiple layers of protection and transparency intended to stand in the way. — Ali Swenson, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026

Further, from a private governance perspective, active stakeholder involvement, and industry and company accountability benefit from the implementation of AI code of conduct operational transparency. — Thomas A. Hemphill, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 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