What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
opaque
Example
The window was made of opaque glass, so I couldn't see through it. [opaque: adjective]
Example
The meaning of the poem was opaque to me, and I couldn't decipher its message. [opaque: adjective]
Example
The company's financial records were opaque, and it was hard to tell where the money was going. [opaque: adjective]
murky
Example
The river was murky after the storm, and I couldn't see the bottom. [murky: adjective]
Example
The details of the contract were murky, and I wasn't sure what I was agreeing to. [murky: adjective]
Example
The politician's past was murky, and there were rumors of corruption and scandal. [murky: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Murky is more commonly used than opaque in everyday language. Opaque is more technical and specific, and is often used in scientific or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between opaque and murky?
Opaque is more formal than murky, and is often used in technical or scientific writing. Murky is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
