transparent

adjective

trans·​par·​ent tran(t)s-ˈper-ənt 

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

• crystal
• clear
• liquid
• translucent
• crystalline

Choose the Right Synonym for transparent

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

Like many Maine officials, Biddeford mayor Liam LaFountain has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Joan Sebastian Guerrero at the hands of a federal agent. — Caroll Alvarado, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

These, alas, were hard to spot, the exception being a gentleman whose torso, richly tattooed, was encased in a transparent cuirass. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

Jurado said the temporary art park would make good use of land that has been fenced off and unused, but stressed that her office will ensure a transparent process for the long-term use of the lot. — Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026

Utilitarian spaces dominate the ground floor, which is topped by two floors of bedrooms and a transparent fourth-floor aerie featuring the main living areas and panoramic views of the surrounding city, bridges and mountains. — Fred Albert, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

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)

Rhymes for transparent

• aberrant
• apparent
• declarant
• grandparent
• stepparent
• errant
• parent
• semitransparent

Kids Definition

transparent

adjective

trans·​par·​ent tran(t)s-ˈpar-ənt 

-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 

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)