Synonyms of translucent

translucent

adjective

as in transparent

not easily seen through but allowing light to pass through

Frosted glass is translucent.

translucent gemstones

Related Words

• transparent
• liquid
• crystal
• sheer
• fragile
• lucid
• diaphanous
• gossamer
• clear
• gauzy
• see-through
• filmy
• delicate
• crystalline
• cobwebby
• limpid
• gauzelike
• lucent
• pellucid
• peekaboo
• flimsy
• colorless
• gossamery
• insubstantial
• dainty
• unsubstantial
• uncolored
• frail

Dissimilar Words

• opaque
• cloudy
• smoky
• hazy
• misty
• foggy
• nebulous
• murky
• dull
• drab
• lusterless
• lackluster

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

Recent Examples of translucent

The flesh should change from translucent to mostly opaque and flake easily when gently pressed with a fork. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 1 Aug. 2026

Flags sagged in the rain and translucent ponchos billowed in the wind, but the sound of bagpipes and a booming sousaphone kept the crowd moving. — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026

In order to expedite the process, TSA suggests—but doesn't require—that the liquids be transported in clear and translucent bottles, so they can be screened by the Bottle Liquid Scanners (those in pouches may not be able to). — Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026

Morton salt in a medium Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally with a heatproof rubber spatula, until onion is mostly translucent, about 5 minutes. — Rachel Dolfi, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 July 2026

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