transparent

adjective

trans·​par·​ent tran(t)s-ˈper-ənt How to pronounce transparent (audio)
Synonyms of transparent
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

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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
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.
Potential monetary policy task force recommendations may involve less transparent communication, a smaller balance sheet with stability risks, and inflation metrics that produce a lower reading. — David Zhang, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026 That'd make for an elite addition to any EDC loadout, especially in 90s-style transparent casing. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026 Through a transparent and accountable supply chain, brands can strengthen consumer trust, assured that their cotton is sourced from a program committed to continuous environmental stewardship and verifiable accountability. — Sj Studio, Footwear News, 31 July 2026 The tandem solar cell consists of a semi-transparent perovskite top cell and a CIGS bottom cell. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for transparent

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)

Time Traveler
The first known use of transparent was in the 15th century

Rhymes for transparent

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Browse Nearby Words

transparency
transparent
transparent chromium oxide
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Cite this Entry

“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transparent. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

transparent

adjective
trans·​par·​ent tran(t)s-ˈpar-ənt How to pronounce transparent (audio)
-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 How to pronounce transparent (audio)
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)

More from Merriam-Webster on transparent

Nglish: Translation of transparent for Spanish Speakers

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