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 Whether that’s packaging that’s clearly recyclable, in-store recycling availability, or transparent communication about recycled content, the brands that win will be the ones that reduce friction, not shift responsibility. Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026 Perhaps most importantly, our framework makes generative AI decision-making more transparent. Ricky J. Sethi, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026 The scrutiny from Brussels comes after Grok sparked a global backlash by allowing users through its AI image generation and editing capabilities to undress people, putting females in transparent bikinis or revealing clothing. News Service Reports, Oc Register, 26 Jan. 2026 At this point, credibility would be better served by calling for a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation. Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for transparent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transparent
Adjective
  • In contrast to the crystal nature of the diamond, this layer is disordered and behaves more like a liquid than a solid.
    Paulina Rowińska, Wired News, 25 Jan. 2026
  • At the 2016 Grammy Awards, Ciara bared it all in a silk chiffon Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture slip dress featuring a crystal leopard design and an ultra-high thigh slit.
    Colleen Kratofil, PEOPLE, 24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Anatomy of a Merger — Jim Freund A clear, deal-lawyer’s view of how acquisitions unfold, from negotiation through closing and early integration.
    Jennifer J. Fondrevay, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Hood said interstates and main highways are pretty clear, but many rural county roads are probably still covered in ice.
    Bill Bowden, Arkansas Online, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • El Capitan is a roughly 3,000-foot sheer granite wall — more than twice the height of the Empire State Building — in the northern valley of Yosemite National Park in California.
    Melissa Gaffney, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026
  • The sheer size and scope of the site presented a range of logistical challenges ahead of the reopening.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • After a train derailment involving a truck containing liquid propane, 51 is forced to fight the fire all by its lonesome — and with a low water supply, no less.
    Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Use an organic liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season, and increase to bi-weekly applications once the strawberry flowers begin to appear.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Notably, the seven-inch vinyl will be pressed on translucent ruby vinyl, a departure from the singer’s signature purple.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Colorful, translucent magnetic blocks in all manner of sizes and shapes make bringing a vision to life easy.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • With nearly 300 days of sunshine a year, white-sand beaches, and crystalline water, Bonita Springs has all the ingredients for a perfect beach vacation.
    Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Different arrangements of these hydrogen bonds can shape ice’s crystalline structure into various configurations, from a hexagonal prism to a cubic lattice to less familiar lattice systems such as rhombohedral and tetragonal.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transparent. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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