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

Any grasp of how opaque business can be in Russia and Ukraine will tell you that won’t be simple or transparent, whatever the scheme. —Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 28 Nov. 2025

Longi team applied a first tin oxide (SnOx) buffer layer to protect the perovskite and transport layers during the transparent conducting oxide sputtering process, performed via atomic layer deposition (ALD). —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Nov. 2025

Clothes are hung on minimalist metal rails, while key pieces are displayed in transparent glass vitrines, giving the space a museum-y feel. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 27 Nov. 2025

Going against the industry grain, KB Home is opting for transparent pricing, rather than using incentives like rate buydowns or upgrades to lure buyers. —Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 26 Nov. 2025

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)