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
Certain eye exams can detect signs of cataracts, like dark or opaque spots.
—Sarah Hudgens, Health, 14 Aug. 2024
But the program’s potentially limiting catalog and opaque plans for revenue for DJs—a big draw to the platform over rivals like TikTok or YouTube—have left some wondering whether the livestreaming giant has really developed a sustainable place for them.
—James Trew, WIRED, 8 Aug. 2024
Clear formulas remain a classic way to dial up the sheen of your go-to lipstick and lip liner, while trending colors like sheer red and opaque pink are an easy way to enhance a smile for daytime wear.
—Claire Sullivan, WWD, 7 Aug. 2024
Tim O’Brien’s poetically opaque lyrics fester in a collection of pop-tinged punk tracks that sit on the alt-rock faultline—electric but primed to combust like an overheated loose wire.
—Margaret Farrell, SPIN, 2 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for opaque 
Sarah Hudgens, Health, 14 Aug. 2024
But the program’s potentially limiting catalog and opaque plans for revenue for DJs—a big draw to the platform over rivals like TikTok or YouTube—have left some wondering whether the livestreaming giant has really developed a sustainable place for them.
—James Trew, WIRED, 8 Aug. 2024
Clear formulas remain a classic way to dial up the sheen of your go-to lipstick and lip liner, while trending colors like sheer red and opaque pink are an easy way to enhance a smile for daytime wear.
—Claire Sullivan, WWD, 7 Aug. 2024
Tim O’Brien’s poetically opaque lyrics fester in a collection of pop-tinged punk tracks that sit on the alt-rock faultline—electric but primed to combust like an overheated loose wire.
—Margaret Farrell, SPIN, 2 Aug. 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 18 Sep. 2024.
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