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

The dispute has opened a new front in a years-long fight over transparency at the shelter, which has faced multiple investigations into overcrowding, animal deaths and a sharp decline in transfers to rescue groups. —Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 19 June 2026

Explainability, fairness, accountability, and transparency are not brakes on innovation. —Samantha Gloede, Fortune, 19 June 2026

The model’s pitch is built on consent, transparency, rights clearance, and creator participation to attempt to make AI additive rather than extractive. —Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

In its annual Global Market Accessibility Review released Thursday, MSCI downgraded Indonesia’s Information Flow assessment, citing persistent issues around ownership transparency and price formation. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 19 June 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