opacity
noun
opac·i·ty
ō-ˈpa-sə-tē 
plural opacities
1
a
: obscurity of sense : unintelligibility
b
: the quality or state of being mentally obtuse : dullness
2
: the quality or state of a body that makes it impervious to the rays of light
broadly
: the relative capacity of matter to obstruct the transmission of radiant energy
3
: an opaque spot in a normally transparent structure (such as the lens of the eye)
Examples of opacity in a Sentence
the opacity of the glass
Critics have noted the opacity of her writing style.
Recent Examples on the Web
Advertising already operates on layers of opacity.
—
Chai Outmezguine, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
That opacity serves a clear purpose, but Martelli is enamored by it to a fault, and Inés’ refusal to question the people around her or make any significant decisions beyond keeping her mouth shut eventually proves more trying than helpful.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 14 May 2026
Auteuil’s performance is a master class of moral opacity.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Comcast’s cable broadband does not rank well in customer-satisfaction surveys; the company’s own executives have admitted to the complexity and opacity of its residential plans.
—Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for opacity
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Chai Outmezguine, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
That opacity serves a clear purpose, but Martelli is enamored by it to a fault, and Inés’ refusal to question the people around her or make any significant decisions beyond keeping her mouth shut eventually proves more trying than helpful.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 14 May 2026
Auteuil’s performance is a master class of moral opacity.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Comcast’s cable broadband does not rank well in customer-satisfaction surveys; the company’s own executives have admitted to the complexity and opacity of its residential plans.
—Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for opacity
Cite this Entry
“Opacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opacity. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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Medical Definition
opacity
noun
opac·i·ty
ō-ˈpas-ət-ē
plural opacities
1
: the quality or state of a body that makes it impervious to the rays of light
broadly
: the relative capacity of matter to obstruct by absorption or reflection the transmission of radiant energy (as X-rays, infrared radiation, or sound)
2
: an opaque spot in a normally transparent structure (as the lens of the eye)
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