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 The company positions itself as a specialist in fast approvals and transparent pricing, working with merchants across verticals such as nutraceuticals, e-commerce, travel, CBD, and firearms retail. — Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 The administration will continue to promote responsible and transparent investment in Venezuela for the benefit of the US and Venezuelan people, the person said. — Patricia Garip, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 The larvae are about 1/4-inch long, with noticeable shiny black heads and elongated, whitish-transparent bodies. — Leah Chester-Davis, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026 Some nepo-baby artists are more transparent about their privileges. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 5 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

Egg freezing, formally called oocyte preservation, is one of the clearest ways to extend a woman’s childbearing years.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Fires are often started illegally by plantation owners or traditional farmers to clear land for planting and those burns periodically blanket parts of Southeast Asia in hazardous haze, authorities said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of clear

Adjective

Other governments, including the US, have their own rules and disclosure requirements, but beyond the breadth of the controls in China, the sheer number of people affected is striking – and reaches far beyond civil servants.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Just look at the new stand — the sheer size of it shows the club’s ambition.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

Fragrance-free liquid Castile soap with no additives can be mixed with water and turned into an insecticidal soap.

— Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 14 Aug. 2026
Direct liquid cooling is moving into ship engine rooms with the introduction of the IMMERSIO Matrix.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of liquid

Adjective

These may be restored heritage buildings in European capitals, villa collections overlooking crystalline waters, or—notably in 2025 and 2026—luxury lodges set in deserts, forests, and mountains.

— Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 July 2026
That’s a smile piece, too, although Ono looks all business holding a crystalline hammer on the catalog cover photo.

— Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 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 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of transparent

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