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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 Through its services, artists are able to operate independently, distributing their music with a direct, transparent line to revenue streams across streaming services and other consumption avenues. Shirley Halperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025 Southwest built its brand by refusing to follow the example of other major airlines, winning over loyal travelers who appreciated its transparent, unrestrictive pricing. Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 11 Mar. 2025 There must be prompt, transparent and impartial investigations into all the killings and other violations, and those responsible must be held to account, in line with international law norms and standards. William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025 The group’s lengthy application material is publicly available and the EPA used a rigorous selection process, Climate United said, adding that its spending is transparent. Michael Phillis and Matthew Daly, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for transparent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transparent
Adjective
  • Dive your way around the island Courtesy of the Curaçao Tourist Board With more than 70 dive sites, crystal blue water, vibrant coral, and unique biodiversity, Curaçao is a haven for scuba divers.
    Curaçao Tourist Board, AFAR Media, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The skirt alone contains 190,000 crystal sequin and rhinestone embellishments, giving the entire piece a sweeping dress as Grande moves.
    Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The long-term ramifications of these cuts remain to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Department of Education is facing a period of significant upheaval.
    Scott White, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The Old Farmer's Almanac details specific moonrise times for ZIP codes across the U.S. Local forecasts also include detailed information on how clear the night sky will be in various locations.
    Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The individual cores may not be as powerful as those on the Mac Studio with M4 Max, but the sheer number of CPU and GPU cores will deliver top performance in the most demanding applications.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 11 Mar. 2025
  • While the sheer number of krill in the Southern Ocean means the species is unlikely to face an acute threat to its survival in the near term, Savoca is quick to point out that numbers are no guarantee of success.
    Gabe Castro-Root, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • That means the foursome are also not within the habitable zone of the star, or just the right distance from the star where liquid water can stably exist on the surface of the planet.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN, 17 Mar. 2025
  • With a blend of liquid exfoliants, this primer helps control excess oil in your T zone (which, when left unchecked, amplifies the appearance of pores).
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The impetus behind the spending boost—hundreds of billions of dollars in two separate packages—is obvious.
    David Axe, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Porsha’s very obvious absence.m As the party moves outside for the big surprise, Shamea gets the ultimate birthday flex—a Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • There are already Meta Ray-Bans with translucent frames—the shiny caramel transparent design looks terrific—but there’s another thing about the new pair that’s unique: the Coperni branding.
    David Phelan, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Apple's latest app for iOS, Apple Invites, may also offer a sneak peek, with more vibrant colors than other native apps and a settings page that makes prominent use of the translucent backgrounds seen on visionOS.
    Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • For You Sigma's move for a more basic, straightforward interface extends to the autofocus system.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Although Baytown does not have any historical affinity with aerospace, its location on the water offers far more straightforward access to Relativity's test facilities in Mississippi and its launch site in Florida.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Elvia Anaya, administrative specialist at Omni Laundry, told Rivet that the upsides of producing in L.A. are readily apparent.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 10 Mar. 2025
  • On a separate note, a major situation around fertility or a child could be apparent.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 9 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transparent. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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