translucent

Synonym Chooser

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

Examples 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 Sardinia is ringed with coves lapped by translucent turquoise water, soft white sand beaches and some of the warmest swimming conditions in the region, as balmy as 80 degrees in summer. Ann Abel, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Cook and stir shallots and garlic in reserved drippings until translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2024 Add the onion, turn the heat down to medium, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2024 Megan's nails were also an ode to Starfire, with a translucent purple base shaped into sharp stiletto points and bedazzled with rhinestone-and-ruby decals on the center of each nail to mimic the jeweled medallions on the collar and waistline of her lavender bodysuit. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for translucent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for translucent
Adjective
  • Cover up on the top half and let transparent details poke out from underneath.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 20 Nov. 2024
  • O’Hara’s text has a sitcom patter to it with transparent laugh lines that feel almost like Neil Simon with more atmospheric profanity.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 18 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The startup has already conquered the retail landscape with more than 10 thousand accounts across the US, so a primary point of its focus now is to get more eyeballs on the product–and in turn, liquid to lips.
    Andrew Watman, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Eventually, the gas turns into a form of liquid hydrogen, creating what can be thought of as the largest ocean in the solar system, albeit an ocean without water.
    Benjamin Roulston, Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Maggie Henriquez, chief executive officer at Baccarat since 2022, is passing the crystal baton to Printemps executive Laurence Nicolas, who will take up the management helm of the French luxury firm in early 2025.
    Miles Socha, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024
  • For over a decade, the gold standard for the most durable data storage medium has been crystal.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 19 Sep. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near translucent

Cite this Entry

“Translucent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/translucent. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on translucent

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