transparency

noun

trans·​par·​en·​cy tran(t)s-ˈper-ən(t)-sē How to pronounce transparency (audio)
plural transparencies
Synonyms of transparency
1
: the quality or state of being transparent
2
: something transparent
especially : a picture (as on film) viewed by light shining through it or by projection

Synonyms of transparency

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Examples of transparency in a Sentence

the transparency of a piece of glass the transparency of their motives He says that there needs to be more transparency in the way the government operates. The professor used transparencies and an overhead projector during her lectures.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Officials deploy public money with little to no transparency or accountability. — Sheila Weinberg, Baltimore Sun, 6 Sep. 2026 The American Medical Association has called for transparency, accountability, physician oversight, regular auditing, and clearer standards around AI-enabled clinical decision support. — Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026 The result, Alquézar said, was a culture the team now calls ‘radical transparency,’ in which anyone, from the shore crew to Alquézar himself, can flag a problem directly. — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Some experts say the call for a temporary halt to more approvals should not be taken as a rejection of potential foreign investment in the country, but rather as a mechanism to establish clear rules, especially around transparency. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for transparency

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of transparency was in 1591

Rhymes for transparency

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Browse Nearby Words

transparence
transparency
transparent
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Cite this Entry

“Transparency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transparency. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

transparency

noun
trans·​par·​en·​cy tran(t)s-ˈpar-ən-sē How to pronounce transparency (audio)
-ˈper-
plural transparencies
1
: the quality or state of being transparent
2
: a picture or design on glass, thin cloth, paper, or film viewed by shining light through it or by projection

Medical Definition

transparency

noun
trans·​par·​en·​cy tran(t)s-ˈpar-ən-sē How to pronounce transparency (audio)
plural transparencies
: the quality or state of being transparent
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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