TRANSPARENT Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

transparent

adjective

tran(t)s-ˈper-ənt

Definition of transparent

as in crystal

easily seen through bottles of blue transparent glass

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in clear

not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation his meaning in leaving the conversation is transparent: he doesn't want to talk about his combat experiences

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sheer

very thin and easy to see through flowy summer dresses made partly of chiffon or other transparent fabrics

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Pan Yan The substance is integrated into a transparent, medium-sized insert designed to fit onto a garbage bin lid. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2026 Such responsibilities and characteristics demand careful and transparent elections that are in strict compliance with Florida law and associations’ own governing documents. — Gary M. Mars, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026 The body was laid bare, via dramatic cutouts, lingerie, transparent and transluscent garments, to accentuate the form. — Rachael Akhidenor, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026 The slip-on style features a wide, transparent PVC toe strap, an open almond-toe design and a curved vamp. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for transparent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for transparent

Adjective

O’Connor’s face filled the screen, her crystal-blue eyes piercing me in my own living room.

— Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 25 July 2026
Beside the dessert sat a crystal coupe overflowing with Caramelized Shallot Dip from Every Leaf, Every Stem.

— Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 June 2026

Definition of crystal

Adjective

Though 57% of voters say the Democratic Party does not have a clear vision for the future, Republicans hold no advantage in this category either, according to a CBS News poll released on Sunday.

— Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 26 Oct. 2026
With no side holding a clear majority, a deadlock, a minority government, a unity government – or another election – are all plausible outcomes.

— Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of clear

Adjective

The tracks, the engineers, the data, the media attention, the sheer amount of racing—the Formula 1 World Championship consists of twenty-plus races, on five continents, in nine months.

— Sam Knight, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
The silhouette was mostly formfitting and streamlined, with emphasis at the hips and waist and a continuation of the contrasting sheer, black fabric running down the column skirt.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

This is made possible by the system’s zero-liquid-discharge technology, which evaporates the brine into solid salt and reduces the need to handle liquid waste.

— Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
A lot of uncertainty remains in the lift capacity of Starship, as well as in how much cryogenic methane and liquid oxygen will boil off in orbit and how efficient the process of transferring propellants from one ship to another will be.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of liquid

Adjective

As mentioned, this new skin trend takes its name from mochi, a traditional Japanese rice cake treat famous for its bouncy texture, plump appearance, and smooth, slightly translucent surface.

— Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
The upper is constructed of a gray mesh with matching suede overlays and translucent TPU side panels.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of translucent

Adjective

Clouds gathered and the crystalline blue broke often for ominous gray.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
This process, which generates perfectly crystalline silicon ingots to be sliced like fragile metallic salamis into thin wafers, is entrusted largely to one firm in Taiwan and two in Japan.

— Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of crystalline

Cite this Entry

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“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transparent. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of transparent

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