Definition of transparentnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective transparent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of transparent are clear, limpid, and translucent. While all these words mean "capable of being seen through," transparent implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly.

a transparent sheet of film

When is it sensible to use clear instead of transparent?

The words clear and transparent can be used in similar contexts, but clear implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness.

clear water

When can limpid be used instead of transparent?

The words limpid and transparent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, limpid suggests the soft clearness of pure water.

her eyes were limpid pools of blue

Where would translucent be a reasonable alternative to transparent?

The meanings of translucent and transparent largely overlap; however, translucent implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond.

translucent frosted glass

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 transparent The defense of Brazilian democracy must therefore rest not only with the Brazilian people, through free, fair and transparent elections, but also with the vigilance and engagement of the international community. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 The staffers urge OpenAI to preserve the ability to closely monitor its advanced models; to adhere to its commitment to embed third-party safety auditors within the organization; and to foster an open and transparent culture. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026 The post is a direct response to an open letter the researchers published on Thursday urging OpenAI to be more transparent about the decision. — Robert Hart, The Verge, 9 Oct. 2026 The latest addition to the collection, unveiled this month, features transparent-pink enamel. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for transparent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transparent
Adjective
  • O’Connor’s face filled the screen, her crystal-blue eyes piercing me in my own living room.
    — Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 25 July 2026
  • Beside the dessert sat a crystal coupe overflowing with Caramelized Shallot Dip from Every Leaf, Every Stem.
    — Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • But national Democrats have been eying the race for months due to the state’s large Black population, and Obama’s ad is a clear effort to juice turnout.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Here, next to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Keowee in Sunset, South Carolina, adventure and refinement exist in effortless harmony.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Meaning while its performance numbers may not draw in huge crowds, its sheer exclusivity might just do the trick.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The light turquoise gown was crafted from sheer fabric with floral embroidery throughout the design.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Testing a different reactor design Unlike conventional reactors, which typically use solid fuel, molten salt reactor designs can dissolve nuclear fuel in liquid salt.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Neither liquid nor solid, the soft peat layers formed in bogs and fens set them apart from all other ecosystems.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The brand's emblem, which is incorporated into the translucent monoblock LED taillight beneath the seat and is sculpted by the bike's lights themselves, is the most noticeable of all Fragment elements.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Vans’ signature checkerboard print can also be made out beneath a translucent outsole.
    — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • That slight sense of unease, coupled with Faith’s crystalline country voice and boundary-pushing songwriting, is at the core of her record Cherry Valley (and the recent deluxe version, Cherry Valley Forever).
    — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The crystalline waters of the reservoir provide drinking water for more than 3 million people in 53 communities in eastern Massachusetts, fed by a subterranean, gravitational aqueduct.
    — Chris Tanaka, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transparent. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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