opaque

[oh-peyk]

adjective

1. not transparent or translucent; impenetrable to light; not allowing light to pass through.

   Synonyms: muddy, cloudy, murky

2. not transmitting radiation, sound, heat, etc.

3. not shining or bright; dark; dull.

4. hard to understand; not clear or lucid; obscure.

   The problem remains opaque despite explanations.

5. dull, stupid, or unintelligent.

noun

1. something that is opaque.

2. Photography.,  a coloring matter, usually black or red, used to render part of a negative opaque.

verb (used with object)

opaqued, opaquing 

1. Photography.,  to cover up blemishes on (a negative), especially for making a printing plate.

2. to cause to become opaque.

opaque

/ əʊˈpeɪk /

adjective

1. not transmitting light; not transparent or translucent

2. not reflecting light; lacking lustre or shine; dull

3. not transmitting radiant energy, such as electromagnetic or corpuscular radiation, or sound

4. hard to understand; unintelligible

5. unintelligent; dense

noun

1. photog an opaque pigment used to block out particular areas on a negative

verb

1. to make opaque

2. photog to block out particular areas, such as blemishes, on (a negative), using an opaque

opaque

1. Resistant to the transmission of certain kinds of radiation, usually light. Metals and many minerals are opaque to light, while being transparent to radio waves and neutrinos.

2. Compare translucent transparent

Other Word Forms

• opaquely adverb
• opaqueness noun
• subopaque adjective
• subopaquely adverb
• subopaqueness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of opaque¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English opake, from Latin opācus “shaded”

Word History and Origins

Origin of opaque¹

C15: from Latin opācus shady

Example Sentences

The entertainment business can feel opaque and overwhelming, and many who navigated it the hard way said they want to help level the playing field for those arriving with passion but without connections.

From Los Angeles Times

He is among a field of current and former lawmen who have criticized Luna’s time in office as ineffective, uninspiring and opaque.

From Los Angeles Times

Over the years, X has been the only social media platform to challenge the Indian government's content blocking mechanisms, which several legal experts describe as opaque and arbitrary.

From BBC

That was a question I put to him at a news conference in Edinburgh last week and his answer was fairly opaque.

From BBC

"Billions meant for healthcare and schools are disappearing through opaque deals and shell companies," she warned.

From BBC

Related Words

• blurred www.thesaurus.com
• cloudy 
• dirty 
• dull 
• frosty 
• gloomy 
• hazy 
• impenetrable 
• murky 
• thick