transparent

adjective

trans·​par·​ent tran(t)s-ˈper-ənt 

1

a(1)

: having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly : pellucid

(2)

: allowing the passage of a specified form of radiation (such as X-rays or ultraviolet light)

b

: fine or sheer enough to be seen through : diaphanous

2

a

: free from pretense or deceit : frank

b

: easily detected or seen through : obvious

c

: readily understood

d

: characterized by visibility or accessibility of information especially concerning business practices

transparently adverb

transparentness noun

Synonyms of transparent

• crystal
• clear
• liquid
• translucent
• crystalline

Choose the Right Synonym for transparent

clear, transparent, translucent, limpid mean capable of being seen through.

clear implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness.

clear water

transparent implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly.

a transparent sheet of film

translucent implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond.

translucent frosted glass

limpid suggests the soft clearness of pure water.

her eyes were limpid pools of blue

Examples of transparent in a Sentence

bottles of blue transparent glass

his meaning in leaving the conversation is transparent: he doesn't want to talk about his combat experiences

Recent Examples on the Web

To ensure durability in saline conditions, the researchers used butyl rubber and cover glass, topped with a transparent epoxy resin outer protective layer to build a waterproof, pressure-resistant, and corrosion-resistant armor. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026

The researchers linked molecules from a viscous oil and a gas to produce a new variation of this polymer, resulting in a transparent, moldable goo with a consistency similar to Blu Tack. — New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026

Armedangels was founded in 2007 by Martin Höfeler and Anton Jurina with a mission to focus on ethical, sustainable fashion through fair working conditions, innovative materials and transparent supply chains. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

But both have partly backtracked since then, saying Amtrak needs to be more transparent in its dealings with Bridgeport and Chinatown neighbors. — Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin transparent-, transparens, present participle of transparēre to show through, from Latin trans- + parēre to show oneself

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Rhymes for transparent

• aberrant
• apparent
• declarant
• grandparent
• stepparent
• errant
• parent
• semitransparent

Kids Definition

transparent

adjective

trans·​par·​ent tran(t)s-ˈpar-ənt 

-ˈper-

1

a

: transmitting light so that objects lying beyond are entirely visible

b

: fine or sheer enough to be seen through

transparent gauze

2

: easily detected or understood : obvious

transparent falsehood

transparently adverb

Medical Definition

transparent

adjective

trans·​par·​ent -ənt 

1

: having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly

2

: allowing the passage of a specified form of radiation (as X-rays or ultraviolet light)