decipher

verb

dē-ˈsī-fər How to pronounce decipher (audio)
Definition of deciphernext
1
as in to crack
to change (as a secret message) from code into ordinary language we deciphered the hidden message to find out when we were supposed to meet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to understand
to have a clear idea of a convoluted thriller, the plot of which I was never able to actually decipher

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of decipher The machine learning aspect of this latest breakthrough focused primarily on detecting the presence of ink, not deciphering the characters or text. — Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2025 If deciphered, the script could offer a glimpse into a Bronze Age civilization believed to rival ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. — Jessie Yeung, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025 There’s a pattern among his public transactions (PSA: check your settings) with a person who is only listed as C — they’re accompanied by explanatory emoji, which are pretty easy to decipher. — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025 Scientists had long thought that deciphering those qualities — collectively known as prosody — happened in the superior temporal gyrus, an area of the brain associated with speech perception. — Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decipher
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decipher
  1. crack
  2. understand
  3. translate
  4. know
  5. break
  6. comprehend
  7. decode
  8. recognize
Verb
  • On the flip side, this will allow AI to crack ciphers much faster.
    — Chaim Mazal, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • And while Joan wasn't there to crack a joke or steal the spotlight, the 57-year-old bride made sure her mom was part of the celebration.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of crack
Verb
  • Getting more people to understand who is homeless, Are and Portway agree, is key to getting better results for people.
    — Christie Zizo, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Now, scientists are trying to help water managers better understand the salt risks that crucial water supplies face from land to sea as global temperatures warm.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of understand
Verb
  • Yet at 10 knots, its fuel consumption of 22 gph translates to an impressive range of 960 nautical miles.
    — Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2025
  • On the surface, his openness to learning and technical ability, along with his pace, should translate well into the Premier League.
    — Laurie Whitwell, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of translate
Verb
  • The cause of the fire was not known, the Fire Brigade said.
    — Phil Helsel, NBC News, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Apart from its cool aesthetic, the blender is known for being the quietest out there.
    — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of know
Verb
  • Within months, Meta broke ground on a sixth and seventh Utah data center beside the other five.
    — Cade Metz, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Senior Lily Cooper broke the school’s all-time scoring record, boys and girls, of 1,333 points set by Val DePaolo in 1979.
    — Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of break
Verb
  • Coca-Cola’s brief essentially trots out the same list of qualitative differences that the company raised during the Tax Court proceedings, almost as though the court had simply overlooked or failed to comprehend them.
    — Ryan Finley, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • One Trump adviser said a goal of the president’s speech would be connecting his rapid-pace actions so far to average Americans who may not yet comprehend the motives behind them.
    — CNN.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of comprehend
Verb
  • But decoding the pictograms could be a culturally and historically significant task.
    — Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2025
  • There are a few reasons it’s been so hard to decode.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of decode
Verb
  • Legacy media must recognize its responsibility to provide equitable reporting.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Burt had the foresight to recognize the changing consumer, and to see that luxury would work on e-commerce.
    — David Moin, WWD, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of recognize

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Cite this Entry

“Decipher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decipher. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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