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
The black box problem refers to the opacity of certain AI systems.
—
David Paffenholz, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
This opacity hampers efforts to implement effective sustainability measures and underscores the need for industry-wide standards and greater transparency in reporting energy consumption and emissions.
—Monica Sanders, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
The lack of a standardized definition, the opacity of family office operations, and the differing methodologies employed all contribute to the discrepancies.
—Francois Botha, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
One big challenge in the bicycle industry is the unusual opacity of its supply chains.
—Jim Vinoski, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opacity
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.
David Paffenholz, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
This opacity hampers efforts to implement effective sustainability measures and underscores the need for industry-wide standards and greater transparency in reporting energy consumption and emissions.
—Monica Sanders, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
The lack of a standardized definition, the opacity of family office operations, and the differing methodologies employed all contribute to the discrepancies.
—Francois Botha, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
One big challenge in the bicycle industry is the unusual opacity of its supply chains.
—Jim Vinoski, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opacity
Cite this Entry
“Opacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opacity. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share