transparent

adjective

trans·​par·​ent tran(t)s-ˈper-ənt How to pronounce transparent (audio)
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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Minneapolis, for instance, attorney Dean Thomson sued the city a couple of years ago to force local violence intervention groups to be more transparent. Martin Kaste, NPR, 24 May 2025 The goal of the mapping tool is to allow for a more transparent and efficient siting and permitting process for large-scale renewable energy projects, while at the same time protecting Connecticut’s environmental and natural resources, according to DEEP. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 23 May 2025 Group discussion helps ensure a transparent and thorough review. Kelly S. Mix, The Conversation, 22 May 2025 She’s also committed to being transparent, not just about the sweet moments, but the mistakes, too. Jordan Greene, People.com, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for transparent

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)

Time Traveler
The first known use of transparent was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transparent. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

transparent

adjective
trans·​par·​ent tran(t)s-ˈpar-ənt How to pronounce transparent (audio)
-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 How to pronounce transparent (audio)
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)

More from Merriam-Webster on transparent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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