OPAQUE Synonyms: 294 Similar and Opposite Words

opaque

adjective

ō-ˈpāk

Definition of opaque

as in ambiguous

having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning somehow listeners seem to connect with the songwriter, despite his deeply personal, often opaque lyrics

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in vague

not seen or understood clearly an opaque remark that seemed to hint that there would be future retaliation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dumb

not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily people are sometimes rude to her, but fortunately she's too opaque to realize what's happening

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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 opaque Under previous leadership, earnings calls were notoriously opaque. — Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026 The oracle in the age of AI Modern chatbots like ChatGPT are considered opaque black boxes. — Ambuj Tewari, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026 The method works best with an opaque, impermeable tarp in hot, sunny weather, while cooler conditions may take longer and require cleanup after removal. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 26 Sep. 2026 Add the shrimp mixture, scraping all of the seasoning from the bowl into the pan, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes, just until the shrimp turns opaque and curls into a C-shape. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opaque

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opaque

Adjective

But the future of early-career employment is increasingly ambiguous, largely due to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

— Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
From here on out, the authorship of Tae-ju’s life is ambiguous, as well as constantly in flux, buffeted by the whims and suggestions of others, as well as by her own impulses.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of ambiguous

Adjective

Recent criticism The century-old restaurant guide is famous for its secrecy; its inspectors are anonymous and the company releases only vague information about their evaluation process.

— Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 20 Oct. 2026
The plaintiffs had argued those terms were vague, and that the council selectively used them to silence prominent critics, violating their First Amendment rights.

— Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of vague

Adjective

The cryptic eco-disaster project will represent a loss of hundreds of millions when all is said and done.

— Matt Donnelly, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Emanuel’s cryptic comment comes amid claims that Meghan was in early talks to star in the third season of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series The Gentlemen.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of cryptic

Adjective

In these situations, withdrawing into a literal or symbolic dark room—avoiding sources of stress and going to a safe place—can be adaptive in the short term.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Connie Britton and Sam Nivola lead the series created by Nick Paley that blends mystery, dark comedy and the awkwardness of adolescence.

— Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026