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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 Over the years, Teddi Mellencamp has been transparent about her battle with skin cancer after having more than 17 different spots of melanoma removed. Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025 Our bill tackles other drivers of insurance costs and provides a transparent framework for honest rate-setting and prompter payments. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025 Wright advocated for thorough documentation, such as a vetted EAW, to provide a transparent basis for decision-making and streamline approval processes for agricultural projects. Janean Sorrell, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Panama was transparent, free of backroom deals or financial incentives. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for transparent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transparent
Adjective
  • The crystal shifter and twist knob ignition are also nice touches.
    Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • What is clear is that the offseason is now over, spring training is underway and the Yankees have done nothing to replace Torres.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Reality check: The mayor is a nonpartisan position, but the political leanings of candidates are often clear.
    Megan Stringer, Axios, 16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Maybe her semi-see-through outfit spoke to that even more loudly than the song, as a salute to sheer endurance.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Use the Right Window Fixtures Instead of heavy drapes and black-out blinds, stick to sheer window treatments.
    Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The crystals in brown sugar contribute to the structure of the cake in a way liquid sweeteners like maple syrup don't.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2025
  • Then keep the soil moist and fertilize with a liquid product at half strength once a week.
    Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • If Hollywood waves are the definition of classic hair, then the makeup equivalent is certainly obvious.
    India Espy-Jones, Essence, 9 Feb. 2025
  • That leaves two remedies, the first and most obvious of which is impeachment, which might punish the president but wouldn’t affect the validity of the pardon.
    Robert A. Levy, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Chastain makes the mask that hides Jennifer’s pain translucent at just the right punctuating moments, impressive for a character who lives behind a 24-7 front that never exudes agency.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2025
  • When hot, swirl in the oil, add the yellow onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until onion is softened and translucent.
    Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • But Philadelphia, say the Chiefs, run a different, more straightforward version of the tush push, with Hurts using the leverage of his offensive line to burrow forward.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 6 Feb. 2025
  • However, receiving aid after a disaster is not straightforward.
    Uma Raja, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The film’s general rigidity and lack of thrills become more apparent when Levi accidentally falls into the gorge.
    Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Feb. 2025
  • The Sixers lose to all sorts of teams, with no apparent traits that should target Philadelphia’s weakness.
    Jared Weiss, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near transparent

Cite this Entry

“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transparent. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on transparent

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