transparent

adjective

trans·​par·​ent tran(t)s-ˈper-ənt How to pronounce transparent (audio)
Synonyms of transparentnext
1
a(1)
: having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly : pellucid
(2)
: allowing the passage of a specified form of radiation (such as X-rays or ultraviolet light)
b
: fine or sheer enough to be seen through : diaphanous
2
a
: free from pretense or deceit : frank
b
: easily detected or seen through : obvious
c
: readily understood
d
: characterized by visibility or accessibility of information especially concerning business practices
transparently adverb
transparentness noun

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for transparent

clear, transparent, translucent, limpid mean capable of being seen through.

clear implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness.

clear water

transparent implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly.

a transparent sheet of film

translucent implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond.

translucent frosted glass

limpid suggests the soft clearness of pure water.

her eyes were limpid pools of blue

Examples of transparent in a Sentence

bottles of blue transparent glass his meaning in leaving the conversation is transparent: he doesn't want to talk about his combat experiences
Recent Examples on the Web After a chic bump-baring pregnancy, featuring countless maternity fashion hits, the 32-year-old singer and actor (who will be playing Coachella in a few weeks) is now being transparent about what postpartum life is really like. —Hannah Coates, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2024 Kearns suggested Sunak's government has already sought legal advice on Israel's use of British weapons in Gaza — but has not been transparent about it with the public. —Lauren Frayer, NPR, 4 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for transparent 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'transparent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin transparent-, transparens, present participle of transparēre to show through, from Latin trans- + parēre to show oneself

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of transparent was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near transparent

transparency

transparent

transparent chromium oxide

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transparent. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

transparent

adjective
trans·​par·​ent tran(t)s-ˈpar-ənt How to pronounce transparent (audio)
-ˈper-
1
a
: transmitting light so that objects lying beyond are entirely visible
b
: fine or sheer enough to be seen through
transparent gauze
2
: easily detected or understood : obvious
transparent falsehood
transparently adverb

Medical Definition

transparent

adjective
trans·​par·​ent -ənt How to pronounce transparent (audio)
1
: having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly
2
: allowing the passage of a specified form of radiation (as X-rays or ultraviolet light)

More from Merriam-Webster on transparent

Nglish: Translation of transparent for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of transparent for Arabic Speakers

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