adjective

opaque

/oʊˈpeɪk/ · say it: oh·PAYK

not able to be seen through

In Describing & Comparing

In more detail

1. (adjective) not clear or transparent; not allowing light to pass through

2. (adjective) difficult to understand; unclear or confusing

Examples

1. The frosted glass is opaque, so you cannot see through it.
2. The government's opaque decision-making process left citizens confused.

How to use opaque

Opaque describes both physical materials that block light and abstract concepts that are hard to understand. In technical contexts, it often refers to material properties, while in figurative use it describes intentionally confusing or vague communication, policy, or reasoning. It carries a note of obscurity or deliberate concealment.

Common phrases

opaque glass
opaque liquid
opaque language
render opaque
deliberately opaque

Synonyms

murky · turbid · obscure · unclear · impenetrable

Opposites

transparent · clear · lucid

Word family

opacity · opaquely · opaqueish

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse opaque with obscure; while opaque specifically means not allowing light through or hard to understand, obscure is broader and can also mean unknown or insignificant.

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