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
One of the biggest hurdles for elders seeking guidance when the state intervenes in their personal affairs is the opacity of the Florida law governing adult protection.
—
Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
Who is getting through — and how Identifying vessel ownership is complicated by the multiple layers through which ships are registered, such as flag state, registered owner, with crew members' nationality and final destinations adding more opacity.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
That rapid growth combined with the industry’s opacity — the terms of private loans are, as the name implies, not public — has long made the sector a subject of concern for policy makers and academics, Goldstein notes.
—Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
Taken together, these developments represent remarkable momentum toward accountability and price visibility in a sector long defined by opacity.
—Bobby Jindal, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for opacity
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Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
Who is getting through — and how Identifying vessel ownership is complicated by the multiple layers through which ships are registered, such as flag state, registered owner, with crew members' nationality and final destinations adding more opacity.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
That rapid growth combined with the industry’s opacity — the terms of private loans are, as the name implies, not public — has long made the sector a subject of concern for policy makers and academics, Goldstein notes.
—Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
Taken together, these developments represent remarkable momentum toward accountability and price visibility in a sector long defined by opacity.
—Bobby Jindal, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 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 8 Apr. 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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