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 Eisenberg plays a lot of acoustic guitar, sticks mostly to normie chords, and largely avoids dissonant tangles, opting for a bright, translucent sound. Reed Jackson, SPIN, 6 Apr. 2026 Hundreds of monarch butterflies are painted across the translucent panels, and when sunlight shines through, the structure glows in rich amber tones. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026 Shades such as soft pinks, delicate beiges, translucent mauves, and classic reds are safe bets for a sophisticated and contemporary manicure without looking too bold. Andrea Carbajal, Glamour, 31 Mar. 2026 Unfortunately, Grace can’t see into the mysterious, opaque little organisms until a dead one becomes translucent. Deana L. Weibel, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for translucent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for translucent
Adjective
  • Give families a challenge process that is transparent, time-bound and subject to appeal.
    Jacob Crainic, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Brands need to establish clear and transparent data privacy practices that support a lawful basis for data collection and give customers full control over their data before it is used by AI.
    Jarrod Martin, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But instead of paving the way for some good ol’ fashioned infidelity, the liquid courage causes the women to turn on each other, with the evening devolving into inebriated insults and recriminations.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Two tankers carrying liquid petroleum gas (LPG) that were heading out of the Persian Gulf have abruptly turned round amidst Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, according to ship tracking data.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • My bridal shower will be taking place at a historic inn, on a crystal blue Finger Lake in Upstate New York, at the end of April.
    Alexandra Ditch, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2026
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Translucent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/translucent. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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