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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 And in 2011, the council voted unanimously to replace then-Mayor John Quinn as the town’s representative on a county transportation board, the Observer reported then, saying Quinn wasn’t transparent with other Indian Trail leaders about the board’s work. Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2025 Some pro-lifers in the Senate have pronounced themselves satisfied with this transparent opportunism. The Editors, National Review, 29 Jan. 2025 This combination of financial advantages and a transparent, investor-friendly system makes the UAE’s Golden Visa program particularly attractive. Arash Jalili, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 The conversation around money is undergoing a radical transformation, with many now demanding more transparent discussions about finances, recognizing that economic wellness is intrinsically linked to mental and physical health. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for transparent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transparent
Adjective
  • The options on the test SUV are: the crystal metallic paint for $595, the trailer hitch and wiring harness for $615, the wheel locks for $75, the premium carpet set for $350, and the destination set for $625.
    Tony Leopardo, The Mercury News, 19 Jan. 2025
  • The crystal New Year’s Eve Ball, meanwhile, was introduced in 1999 to welcome the new millennium.
    Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The War of 1812, however, made clear once and for all that there would be no tearful family reunion between the U.S. and Canada.
    Lawrence B.A. Hatter / Made by History, TIME, 4 Feb. 2025
  • The original email did not make clear that employees who resign would necessarily be put on administrative leave at all.
    Andrea Hsu, NPR, 4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Not a single one of the other nominees for album of the year boasts the archival ambition, depth of research, courage, experimentation, soul and sheer scope of Cowboy Carter.
    Kyle Denis, Billboard, 3 Feb. 2025
  • At the waist, black beaded details flowed into a sheer skirt with beaded floral embellishments and a train.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Bicoastal makeup artist Amrita Mehta counts this liquid shadow among her favorites for its dependability.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 28 Jan. 2025
  • In the kitchen, the chefs are seen pouring liquid nitrogen, tying dumplings and setting food aflame.
    Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But just as the rise of AI will be obvious in the ads, the challenges facing the entertainment business will also be reflected.
    Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Viewing it now, the movie’s influence and prescience are more obvious than ever.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The translucent green diffuser, priced at $18.97 at Walmart, has a large tank and adds a calming touch to your space.
    Nora Colomer, Fox News, 4 Feb. 2025
  • Instant Shine Mask for $15: Infused with biotin, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and red raspberry seed oil, this translucent, slightly viscous amber liquid purportedly seals the hair cuticle for a smooth and silky result.
    Louryn Strampe, WIRED, 2 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • That’s where this straightforward supplement from Now Foods comes in, with nothing but 10,000 mcg of biotin.
    Kristine Thomason, Vogue, 26 Jan. 2025
  • How did the character of Joel—who is not a straightforward psychopath, if there is such a thing—come to you?
    Deborah Treisman, The New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • An unexpected blockbuster trade in the NBA involving five-time all star Luka Dončić and former NBA Finals champion Anthony Davis has sparked surprised reactions in players across the league — including Dončić's apparent new teammate LeBron James, per reports and plenty of in-game footage.
    Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 2 Feb. 2025
  • In 1994, the applied mathematician Peter Shor was inspired by a recent oracle result to develop a fast quantum algorithm for factoring large numbers—a task whose apparent difficulty underlies the cryptographic systems that keep our online data secure.
    Ben Brubaker, WIRED, 2 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near transparent

Cite this Entry

“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transparent. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on transparent

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