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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 Earning trust requires listening deeply, being transparent, and putting residents’ needs above politics. Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2025 And celebrities are now transparent, admitting to plastic surgery, and are looking really good. Emily Trainham , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2025 This new tariff would generate significant revenue, and the related workers could come out of the shadows, pay their taxes, and make a more transparent, free and fair labor market. Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025 The saturation of drone surveillance, for example, has made nearly all troop movement visible and therefore vulnerable, creating a transparent battlefield: anything that moves near the frontline is struck within a matter of minutes. Eric Schmidt, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for transparent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transparent
Adjective
  • Swimming through the crystal blue waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands, divers watched the hubbub of life on the coral reef.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 11 June 2025
  • For a more passive activity on Wrightsville’s crystal blue waters, hop aboard a boat for a relaxing cruise on the calm waters.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Miami would end up having one player drafted in the seventh (last) round, but the dire need for an overhaul was clear.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Here are a few key techniques to make your content AI-friendly: • Structure For Clarity: Use clear headlines, subheadings, bullet points and short paragraphs.
    Jeremy Fields, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Founder Samantha Brett emphasizes layering SPF over makeup, with formulas like their Beauty Screen Mineral Tints providing SPF50 protection in a sheer, wearable finish.
    Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The look was finished with a silk tulle veil, crystal beaded Manolo Blahnik satin sandals and a pair of sheer elbow gloves.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The final system is likely to use a Stirling engine to convert fission heat into electricity and feature meltdown-proof liquid sodium circulation.
    Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • My body had held on to every morsel of food and liquid ounce, unsure when it would be fed again.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • My undereye skin has become thinner and more translucent, and covering dark shadows and redness around the eyes without leaving a cakey or dusty texture is tricky.
    Erica Metzger, Allure, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Cook, picking up any browned bits from bottom of Dutch oven using a wooden spoon, until mixture sputters, releases its water, and then cooks off and sizzles and onion is translucent, about 10 minutes.
    John T. Edge, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Other auspicious portents are appearing, Worden says, that signal initial Mars colonies could begin spreading out, beneath crystalline hemispheric domes, across the 2030s.
    Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The Las Vegas showgirl, which later became its own brand entirely, is now more closely associated with crystalline cage bras, diamanté panties and tall feather headdresses.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transparent. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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