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 By Davis’ telling, a deal with him offers a safer, more liquid and more transparent financing alternative. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 12 May 2026 Pritchard was trying to be transparent and honest with the Pacers fan base, but people were quick to jump in the comments to make their thoughts, and gripes, known. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026 That’s been a very big part of the work — to make sure that the fund is transparent. Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 11 May 2026 How transparent the Braves will be in the future is to be seen. Evan Drellich, New York Times, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for transparent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transparent
Adjective
  • Given that the city of Cannes is known for its crystal blue waters, sandy beaches, and luxury hotels, expect guests to show out in their best resortwear and cruise collection fashion.
    Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026
  • My bridal shower will be taking place at a historic inn, on a crystal blue Finger Lake in Upstate New York, at the end of April.
    Alexandra Ditch, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • This brief genius window can make strategy clearer, reveal missing pieces, and turn vague ideas into usable next steps.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • In West Texas, some locals were hopeful that the exigencies of life in a rural area, where recordkeeping can be rudimentary and property boundaries aren’t always clear, might stymie the project, at least for a little while.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Moore also wore a lavender off-the-shoulder gown crafted from sheer, shimmering fabric, complete with a flowing train and thigh-high slit that revealed matching lavender heels.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026
  • Others quipped about the sheer volume of new songs to listen to.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • The moon that may have cooled too slowly Magnetic fields are usually powered by internal dynamos—movements of electrically conducting liquid metal inside a planet or moon.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026
  • To mix the liquid fertilizer with water, follow the instructions on the package.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • This is my Goldilocks restaurant, fancy but not too fancy, with black leather chairs on chrome stalks and light slanting in through translucent sheets of glass.
    Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • The skirt of Halsey’s gown moved into layers of translucent tulle, with a wide skirt and soft train pooling behind her.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • The crystalline structure of molecules is more uniform, rather than a broad variation.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
  • As researchers discovered decades ago, magnetic strength can be greatly improved by adding to the crystalline lattice atoms with unpaired electrons in the 4f orbital—notably the rare earth elements neodymium, praseodymium, and dysprosium.
    Glenn Zorpette, IEEE Spectrum, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transparent. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

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