transparent

adjective

trans·​par·​ent tran(t)s-ˈper-ənt 

1

a(1)

: having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly : pellucid

(2)

: allowing the passage of a specified form of radiation (such as X-rays or ultraviolet light)

b

: fine or sheer enough to be seen through : diaphanous

2

a

: free from pretense or deceit : frank

b

: easily detected or seen through : obvious

c

: readily understood

d

: characterized by visibility or accessibility of information especially concerning business practices

transparently adverb

transparentness noun

Synonyms of transparent

• crystal
• clear
• liquid
• translucent
• crystalline

Choose the Right Synonym for transparent

clear, transparent, translucent, limpid mean capable of being seen through.

clear implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness.

clear water

transparent implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly.

a transparent sheet of film

translucent implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond.

translucent frosted glass

limpid suggests the soft clearness of pure water.

her eyes were limpid pools of blue

Examples of transparent in a Sentence

bottles of blue transparent glass

his meaning in leaving the conversation is transparent: he doesn't want to talk about his combat experiences

Recent Examples on the Web

The real victims are every voter who deserves honest, fair and transparent elections. —Christa Swanson, CBS News, 23 May 2026

The underwater world informed also her approach to accessories, which ranged from mesh handbags studded with transparent beads mimicking drops of water to statement necklaces, bracelets and belts evoking octopus tentacles and small anchovies. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 22 May 2026

These efforts are part of a broader attempt to create a more transparent, efficient, and accountable system. —Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

Frost maintained that CalPERS is one of the most transparent retirement systems in the country and, as required by California law, the fund reports fees and fund performance to the public and the Legislature. —William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin transparent-, transparens, present participle of transparēre to show through, from Latin trans- + parēre to show oneself

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Rhymes for transparent

• aberrant
• apparent
• declarant
• grandparent
• stepparent
• errant
• parent
• semitransparent

Kids Definition

transparent

adjective

trans·​par·​ent tran(t)s-ˈpar-ənt 

-ˈper-

1

a

: transmitting light so that objects lying beyond are entirely visible

b

: fine or sheer enough to be seen through

transparent gauze

2

: easily detected or understood : obvious

transparent falsehood

transparently adverb

Medical Definition

transparent

adjective

trans·​par·​ent -ənt 

1

: having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly

2

: allowing the passage of a specified form of radiation (as X-rays or ultraviolet light)