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 Tell me about your decision to be transparent about pay. Grace Byron, New Yorker, 14 June 2026 Aquazzura designed the Sea Wave silhouette to recall a shimmering wave, using transparent PVC and tonal metallic leather to create its fluid profile. Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 13 June 2026 Anthropic has said publicly that the government should be able to block unsafe deployments through a process that is transparent, fair, clear and grounded in technical facts. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026 The debate highlights a broader question facing restaurants of whether protecting workers from cultural differences in tipping expectations requires automatic charges or whether strong service and transparent pricing are enough to encourage customers to tip voluntarily. Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for transparent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transparent
Adjective
  • 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
  • Teigen shared several photos from the trip on Instagram, including one picture of Legend holding their two oldest kids, Luna and Miles, in the crystal blue pool.
    Joyann Jeffrey, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • The incentive is clear for Mexico, as the group winner will play the next two knockout rounds at Azteca Stadium, where El Tri has never lost a World Cup match.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • What’s clear is that each of my friends is watching a different movie about AI inside their head, telling themselves a different story and living in a different reality.
    Nancy Colier, Baltimore Sun, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Emmys’ producers passing up on even the slightest possibility of a Werner Herzog acceptance speech is sheer lunacy.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 20 June 2026
  • For a few weeks, concerns about skyrocketing housing costs and gentrification, brought on by the city’s increasing popularity as a place to settle down, are taking a back seat to the sheer fun of international soccer.
    Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Orkin uses a proprietary liquid barrier system called Termidor, alongside their own specialized monitoring stations.
    Nick Perry, USA Today, 14 June 2026
  • Split across cool, neutral, and warm undertones, the buildable, medium-coverage liquid melts into skin, making dark spots, discoloration, and under-eye circles virtually disappear.
    Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • In reality, the characters are on a soundstage in the Canary Islands in a space crafted by production designer Denise Pizzini using translucent panels and Styrofoam blocks.
    Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 14 June 2026
  • There's also a chunky sea star called the Atheraster umbo, and a translucent worm called the Laetmonice murrayae.
    Adam England, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • The volume of crystalline API needed to dose 450 million patients with the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine would fill just two milk gallon jugs, Asparouhov said.
    Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 9 June 2026
  • Ideal for couples looking for a cozy weekend escape, the inn offers daily continental breakfast (plus specialty breakfasts on weekends and holidays), a Victorian parlor, crackling fireplaces, and a great room shimmering with crystalline chandeliers.
    Matt Kirouac, Midwest Living, 7 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transparent. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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