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

What Barr described as a lack of transparency also comes as the nonprofits offered a different revenue projection than county staff. —Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 4 Dec. 2025

The plan would provide transparency, avoiding conflicts between Harry and Meghan's public outings and the British royal family's engagements. —Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025

Healthgrades is a top platform for finding doctors and aims to be a leader in health care transparency by helping millions of patients find and schedule appointments with health care professionals. —Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025

Her emphasis is not on quick fixes but on transparency and helping individuals develop a personal understanding of what supports them. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025

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