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

Both candidates are currently under review by the Arkansas Ethics Commission for transparency and disclosures involving campaign funds, according to the Democrat-Gazette. —Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026

The companies say the transparent force and touch film could enable a new generation of interactive surfaces that integrate transparency, lighting, and force detection into a single interface layer. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026

Campuzano called for greater transparency and more aggressive investigations by authorities. —Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026

Bank of America emphasizes human oversight, transparency, and accountability for AI outcomes across the bank. —Michael Bush, Fortune, 1 Apr. 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