translucent

Definition of translucentnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective translucent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of translucent are clear, limpid, and transparent. While all these words mean "capable of being seen through," translucent implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond.

translucent frosted glass

When would clear be a good substitute for translucent?

The meanings of clear and translucent largely overlap; however, clear implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness.

clear water

When might limpid be a better fit than translucent?

In some situations, the words limpid and translucent are roughly equivalent. However, limpid suggests the soft clearness of pure water.

her eyes were limpid pools of blue

When is it sensible to use transparent instead of translucent?

The synonyms transparent and translucent are sometimes interchangeable, but transparent implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly.

a transparent sheet of film

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of translucent After a little early-2000s time on a downswing, the combo of a pink, translucent base and white tips has become a beautiful no-brainer for so many of us. Marci Robin, Allure, 17 Mar. 2026 Add the onion, salt, and black pepper and sauté until the onion is softened and translucent, 4 to 5 minutes. Anna Butler, Dallas Morning News, 13 Mar. 2026 One example is Casper, a translucent octopus discovered 10 years ago that has yet to receive a scientific name. Lauren Sommer, NPR, 13 Mar. 2026 Among the most notable is Teatro del Bíobío, a performing arts venue in the city of Concepción that, by night, radiates warm light through a semi-translucent facade like a paper lantern. Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for translucent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for translucent
Adjective
  • Exclusively sold via the Milan Records webstore and select Sony Music direct-to-consumer retailers, double vinyl, deluxe gatefold, pressed on transparent clear vinyl.
    Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 24 Mar. 2026
  • However, the city said the centers must be transparent about their energy, water, and noise usage.
    Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The hyper-scalers deployed its technology to pack servers at far more density than is possible using air cooling, and CoolIT benefited greatly by Nvidia’s insistence that its fastest GPUs be liquid cooled.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The rise in costs are bad enough, but now there are fears that a key liquid fertilizer, UAN-32 — which contains three forms of nitrogen, including liquid urea — could be in short supply.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Cowbells are ringing out, the stands are full, and the sun is shining under a crystal blue sky.
    Sean Nevin, NBC news, 18 Feb. 2026
  • The combination of starches gives the dough its crystal appearance and a chewy texture.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Translucent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/translucent. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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