see through

1 of 2

verb

saw through; seen through; seeing through; sees through
Synonyms of see throughnext

transitive verb

: to grasp the true nature of
saw through the scheme

Examples of see through in a Sentence

Adjective consumers pretty much expect see-through packaging for bacon a designer whose see-through clothes scandalized the fashion world back in the 1960s
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.
Verb
Howell Area Fire Department Chief Andrew Box said when firefighters arrived, flames could be seen through the building's door. Paula Wethington, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 Webb is allowing astronomers to see through dust and farther into the infrared universe, and observations across different wavelengths can reveal processes that would otherwise remain hidden. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
All this happens in a see-through cold compartment where concoctions spin around, turning from liquid to frozen semisolid. Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026 This Quince find has adjustable straps, a square neckline, a smocked back, and an A-line skirt that isn’t see-through. Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for see through

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of see through was in 1851

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“See through.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/see%20through. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster