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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 For the iPhone Air, Apple has revived its edge-to-edge bumper cases with a transparent back. PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025 Investors should work with transparent, responsive sponsors who prioritize service. Andrew Denardo, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 Nearly half, or 48%, said that the regulatory environment was transparent for their industry, a large jump from just 35% in 2024. Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025 The operator should be required to conduct a complete and transparent environmental review and provide a performance bond so that taxpayers aren’t liable for potential damages to the park, Ryder said. Claire Wang, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for transparent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transparent
Adjective
  • The two areas are linked in delightfully indulgent ways, including a darkly glamorous corridor swagged with flower chandeliers and a giant eye behind the bar, with crystal eyelashes.
    Sarah Turner, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Even the transition between floors is theatrical, with a crystal elevator that offers shifting vistas of the bay.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • On the other end, a clear brow gel sculpts natural hairs into your preferred position.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • This reliability could speed up the shoe design cycle and reduce costs, while giving developers a clearer picture of real-world performance.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Maple and Francesca each opted for dresses, with the former donning a semi-sheer black number and the latter choosing a silky brown slip dress matching her father's color palette.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • This trend includes smaller, high-end homes and with buyers favoring places that offer meaningful features over sheer size or clout.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Every asset that remains exclusively offchain becomes less liquid, less accessible, and more expensive to trade relative to tokenized alternatives.
    Sandy Peng, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Brittany Snow stepped out to present in a strapless gold dress with a liquid metal effect.
    Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Apple is also offering two cases for the smartphone, a translucent case that is less than 1mm thin.
    James Powel, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The update promised clarity and focus by stripping away leather stitching, felt, and other textures in favor of flat colors, thin fonts, and translucent panes.
    Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • His work in those early days bears little resemblance to the crystalline large-format portraits of lonely American landscapes that would come to define his career.
    Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The beach itself is pebbled, classic Sicily, with crystalline water.
    Erica Firpo, AFAR Media, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transparent. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on transparent

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