Logo
dictionary thesaurus

transparent

adjective
trans·​par·​ent | \ tran(t)s-ˈper-ənt How to pronounce transparent (audio) \

Definition of transparent

1a(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
2a : 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
Other Words from transparent Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about transparent

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from transparent

transparently adverb
transparentness noun

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

 Martinsson says the court laid out a transparent and reasonable ruling in the case. — Sanya Mansoor, Time, "A$AP Rocky's Guilty Verdict Doesn't Bar Him From Returning to Sweden, Says Judge Who Convicted Him," 14 Aug. 2019 Keeping everything fair and transparent is of the utmost importance. — David Lindquist, Indianapolis Star, "Battle of the Bands competition revived at the Hi-Fi and the Vogue," 14 Aug. 2019 Our goal was to be transparent and to make tools available for public health authorities. — Meredith Wadman, Science | AAAS, "DRC health minister resigns over Ebola response," 22 July 2019 The cloud solutions of these providers have so far not been transparent and comprehensibly set out. — Jim Salter, Ars Technica, "Office 365 declared illegal in German schools due to privacy risks," 15 July 2019 Photo: willy kurniawan/Reuters Mr. Widodo called the decision open and transparent and appealed for national unity. — Ben Otto And I Made Sentana, WSJ, "Indonesian Court Upholds Widodo’s Election Win," 27 June 2019 Lawyers for retired detective James Gauger, 74, and dentists Lowell Thomas Johnson, 88, of Milwaukee, and Ray Rawson, 78, of Las Vegas say their work was valid at the time, completely transparent and not disputed at Stinson's trial in 1985. — Bruce Vielmetti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Man exonerated after 23 years in prison says detectives, dentists framed him with bogus bite-mark evidence," 24 June 2019 Employees like that the culture is flat, transparent and non-ego driven. — Leigh Farr, azcentral, "MEDIUM COMPANY RANKINGS:," 13 June 2019 For this shoe blast from the past, Melissa unveiled eight new colors of the sandal, in transparent and matte variations, and each pair retails for $75. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "Melissa Released a Vegan-Friendly Collection of Jelly Shoes," 21 May 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'transparent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of transparent

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

History and Etymology for transparent

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

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for transparent

transparent

adjective
How to pronounce transparent (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of transparent

: able to be seen through
: easy to notice or understand
: honest and open : not secretive

See the full definition for transparent in the English Language Learners Dictionary

transparent

adjective
trans·​par·​ent | \ trans-ˈper-ənt How to pronounce transparent (audio) \

Kids Definition of transparent

1 : clear enough or thin enough to be seen through
2 : easily detected a transparent lie

Other Words from transparent

transparently adverb

transparent

adjective
trans·​par·​ent | \ -ənt How to pronounce transparent (audio) \

Medical Definition of transparent

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)

WORD OF THE DAY

convivial

play

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!