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 If elected, Ford wants to remain financially transparent for Lake County residents, especially after the county’s 2022 budget was found to be unauditable. Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026 After last year’s disastrous Eaton fire, Southern California Edison executives vowed to be transparent about what caused the inferno that killed at least 19 people and left thousands of families homeless in Altadena. Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026 However, the training side remains less transparent. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026 That would include public and transparent bargaining sessions. Olivia Young, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for transparent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transparent
Adjective
  • 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
  • Cowbells are ringing out, the stands are full, and the sun is shining under a crystal blue sky.
    Sean Nevin, NBC news, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Only one Republican state has a relatively clear path to gaining seats from the decision in time for the midterms — Florida.
    Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Which oil executives in attendance were not immediately clear.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But the 6-foot-5 Dennis-Sutton’s potential and sheer agility are off the charts, at his size.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The format has its limitations, though — the most obvious for fans with an inclination to ship is the sheer inability to develop romantic relationships over the course of a season.
    Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Pumps fill three tins at a time with liquid Smith’s Strawberry Lip Balm.
    Gabriella Fine, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Choose liquid organic fertilizers, dilute them with water before applying them to herbs and other light feeding plants, and always read fertilizer instructions.
    Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s a Mooi wallcovering where extinct animals hide within jungle fauna in one and a freestanding Aura by Antoniolupi sink that glows translucent yellow in the other.
    Sandra Barrera, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The large rolls of paper were shipped to a production factory in Spain, where the world’s first brown translucent rolling papers were cut and placed into packs.
    Steve Bloom, Rolling Stone, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Some beaches are found next to crystalline lakes, while others are beneath the peaks of majestic mountain ranges.
    Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Gerardo Dottori’s 1942 Aerial Battle over the Gulf of Naples mobilizes the contrails of its entwining fighter jets to express the effect of new military technology on a crystalline landscape.
    Simon Denny, Artforum, 20 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transparent. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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