TRANSLUCENT Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'translucent' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of translucent are clear , limpid , and transparent . While all these words mean "capable of being seen through," translucent implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond. // translucent frosted glass

Q: When would 'clear' be a good substitute for 'translucent'?

The meanings of clear and translucent largely overlap; however, clear implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness. // clear water

Q: When might 'limpid' be a better fit than 'translucent'?

In some situations, the words limpid and translucent are roughly equivalent. However, limpid suggests the soft clearness of pure water. // her eyes were limpid pools of blue

Q: When is it sensible to use 'transparent' instead of 'translucent'?

The synonyms transparent and translucent are sometimes interchangeable, but transparent implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly. // a transparent sheet of film

translucent

adjective

Definition of translucent

as in transparent

not easily seen through but allowing light to pass through Frosted glass is translucent. translucent gemstones

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How does the adjective translucent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of translucent are clear, limpid, and transparent. While all these words mean "capable of being seen through," translucent implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond.

translucent frosted glass

When would clear be a good substitute for translucent?

The meanings of clear and translucent largely overlap; however, clear implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness.

clear water

When might limpid be a better fit than translucent?

In some situations, the words limpid and translucent are roughly equivalent. However, limpid suggests the soft clearness of pure water.

her eyes were limpid pools of blue

When is it sensible to use transparent instead of translucent?

The synonyms transparent and translucent are sometimes interchangeable, but transparent implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly.

a transparent sheet of film

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 translucent Morton salt in a medium Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally with a heatproof rubber spatula, until onion is mostly translucent, about 5 minutes. — Rachel Dolfi, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 July 2026 The newer Kobe variant diverges by employing Knicks blue and orange through a splatter pattern on its eyestay panel and heel counter, as well as underneath a translucent blue outsole. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 29 July 2026 Palombggio is often described as having a Caribbean-like setting, thanks to its translucent blue waters and white sand. — Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 The glow through the translucent stone façade prevents that journey from being downright depressing. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for translucent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for translucent

Adjective

Some Austin City Council members have released statements on social media calling for a transparent investigation.

— Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Sell the position through concise job descriptions, transparent salary ranges, and highlighting small business advantages like flexibility and impact.

— Rob Falzon, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of transparent

Adjective

Titan’s lower gravity, as well as liquid methane’s lower density, does change how waves behave there.

— Phil Plait, Scientific American, 31 July 2026
Like the Chinese test facility, the KRONOS design uses inert helium rather than liquid water to cool the reactor core.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026

Definition of liquid

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translucency

translucent

transmissible

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“Translucent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/translucent. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of translucent

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