TRANSPARENT Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

transparent

adjective

tran(t)s-ˈper-ənt

Definition of transparent

as in crystal

easily seen through bottles of blue transparent glass

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in clear

not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation his meaning in leaving the conversation is transparent: he doesn't want to talk about his combat experiences

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sheer

very thin and easy to see through flowy summer dresses made partly of chiffon or other transparent fabrics

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Some states, including California, have enacted measures about AI, including requiring entities to be transparent when it is used. — Chandelis Duster, NPR, 4 Oct. 2026 The company ending its practice of using nondisclosure agreements when building new data centers will likely help make projects more transparent. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026 When the air is perfectly safe, the boxes will be transparent, as if one of Constable’s cloudscapes were uncannily to clear. — Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026 Crypto’s mainstream investment case has become increasingly institutionalized and transparent, while AI has made large-scale financial surveillance and transaction analysis more powerful. — Sarah Min,davis Giangiulio,chloe Taylor,lee Ying Shan,ananya Chetia, CNBC, 1 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

Definition of crystal

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

Definition of clear

Adjective

The sheer math of persuading a majority of the House of Representatives, the Senate and the president to approve a bill is difficult enough.

— Scott Warren, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
Vaccarello, whose spring 2027 show marked his 10th anniversary at Saint Laurent, has become a celebrity favorite thanks to his ability to telegraph power and sexuality through sheer, slinky gowns and sharp-shouldered suits with equal measure.

— Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

Milani Conceal + Perfect Sun Kissed Liquid Bronzer This lightweight liquid bronzer contains copper tripeptide-1, a carrier peptide, along with hydrating ingredients and skin-loving vitamins.

— Mickey Williams, Flow Space, 9 Oct. 2026
In addition to these liquid upgrades, Jefferson’s also refreshed its packaging, something that other brands like Bardstown Bourbon Company have done over the past year or so.

— Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of liquid

Adjective

Feathers, synthetic hair and translucent organza were worked into exaggerated silhouettes, alongside insect-like décolletés, feline pantaboots, moss-green leather and cheetah-print effects.

— Amy Francombe, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
This resort is a fantastic place for sun-seekers to unwind amidst lush Mediterranean scrub, rocky nooks, translucent waters, and thalasso pools.

— CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of translucent

Adjective

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
Typically, photocatalysts are materials called Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), which are crystalline, porous materials.

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of crystalline

Cite this Entry

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“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transparent. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of transparent

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