1
: blocking the passage of radiant energy and especially light : exhibiting opacity (see opacity sense 1)
2
a
: hard to understand or explain
opaque prose
b
opaque
noun
opaquely
adverb
opaqueness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of opaque in a Sentence
In the opening hour, a group of strangers receive a maddeningly opaque cell-phone summons to join a secret cross-country race with a $32 million prize. The thing is, the summons can also be a threat (one competitor's wife is possibly being held captive), and the consequences of falling behind are murderous.
—
Tom Gliatto, People, 23 Apr. 2007
The reality facing Rory Stewart was that he was sent into a collapsed rural region in a country of which he knew almost nothing, and in which he had to find his way through a maze of opaque tribal and religious relationships.
—Robert Skidelsky, New York Review of Books, 5 Oct. 2006
Arborio rice, the kind that grows in the Po Valley and gave rise to the wonderful dish risotto, has a tiny opaque white pearl on the inside that remains al dente, and starch on the outside that the grains release during cooking, making a creamy sauce.
—Corby Kummer, Atlantic, March 1993
the opaque water of the muddy river
somehow listeners seem to connect with the songwriter, despite his deeply personal, often opaque lyrics
Tom Gliatto, People, 23 Apr. 2007
The reality facing Rory Stewart was that he was sent into a collapsed rural region in a country of which he knew almost nothing, and in which he had to find his way through a maze of opaque tribal and religious relationships.
—Robert Skidelsky, New York Review of Books, 5 Oct. 2006
Arborio rice, the kind that grows in the Po Valley and gave rise to the wonderful dish risotto, has a tiny opaque white pearl on the inside that remains al dente, and starch on the outside that the grains release during cooking, making a creamy sauce.
—Corby Kummer, Atlantic, March 1993
the opaque water of the muddy river
somehow listeners seem to connect with the songwriter, despite his deeply personal, often opaque lyrics
Recent Examples on the Web
Syrah This Syrah enchants with its deep, opaque hue, hinting at the complex flavors within.
—Noel Burgess, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Black elongates the leg, and a sheer tight, as opposed to opaque, adds dimension to your overall look.
—Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 27 Oct. 2024
Sometimes we’re pulled less gracefully than others, making the story a bit transparent at times and stubbornly opaque at others.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 25 Oct. 2024
This means 21 opaque polishes in a very autumnal palette, three sheer shades, and four special-effects shades—all of which, the brand is very excited to say, are long-lasting (for up to 21 days) and HEMA-free.
—Kara McGrath, Allure, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for opaque 
Noel Burgess, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Black elongates the leg, and a sheer tight, as opposed to opaque, adds dimension to your overall look.
—Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 27 Oct. 2024
Sometimes we’re pulled less gracefully than others, making the story a bit transparent at times and stubbornly opaque at others.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 25 Oct. 2024
This means 21 opaque polishes in a very autumnal palette, three sheer shades, and four special-effects shades—all of which, the brand is very excited to say, are long-lasting (for up to 21 days) and HEMA-free.
—Kara McGrath, Allure, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for opaque
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'opaque.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near opaque
Cite this Entry
“Opaque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opaque. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
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