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 But using that leverage effectively will require transparent agreements tied to clear state policy priorities for reconstruction and recovery. — Jesse Marks, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026 The third one was a sheet of transparent polystyrene sold as window glazing. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 The Caliray Come Hell or High Brow is the first transparent tubing brow gel with clean ingredients. — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 31 Aug. 2026 Park officials addressed those issues by installing transparent sound-reduction barriers along portions of the ride. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 31 Aug. 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

On Friday, Davide Ancelotti, Lille’s head coach, confirmed Fernandez-Pardo, who had made clear his desire to leave, would not train with the squad until after Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Kayley and Nathan’s efforts are intercut with Kasandra opening her birthday present from Jeff (whose airways are now totally clear), a $100,000 diamond necklace.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of clear

Adjective

The facts of his biography, no matter how outrageous, could not possibly explain the sheer derangement of his output.

— Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
This means investor scrutiny will extend beyond the sheer scale of AI investment to encompass debt burdens, capital costs, and return timelines.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

Conventional liquid cooling needs pumps, tubing, and reservoirs, which can consume space and add weight.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
But globs of liquid mercury worked just fine to show the melting shards coming together, even though its toxicity meant the special effects crew had to wear protective gear over the two-day shoot.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of liquid

Adjective

If you're really set on maximizing your commitment to the classic Xbox design aesthetic, earlier this week, Microsoft started taking preorders for the limited edition of its translucent and green Xbox Series X, the Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition.

— Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 29 Aug. 2026
With nine shades available—from translucent to shimmery to vibrant red—there’s truly something for everyone.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of translucent

Adjective

While solar roofs are not new, Hongqi’s approach replaces conventional crystalline silicon cells with thin and flexible perovskite photovoltaic materials.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
This, set against a backdrop of crystalline Indian Ocean views and bright white Maldivian sand, sets the tone.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of transparent

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