decipher

1 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 break, crack, decode, decryptRelated Words descramble, unscramble; render, translate; dope (out), figure out, puzzle (out), solve, unravel, unriddle, work, work outNear Antonyms garble, jumble (up), mix (up)Antonyms cipher, code, encipher, encode, encrypt

2 to have a clear idea of <a convoluted thriller, the plot of which I was never able to actually decipher> Synonyms appreciate, apprehend, assimilate, behold, catch, catch on (to), cognize, compass, conceive, cotton (to or on to), comprehend, decode, dig, discern, get, grasp, grok, intuit, know, make, make out, perceive, recognize, register, savvy, see, seize, sense, tumble (to), twig, understandRelated Words absorb, digest, take in; realize; fathom, penetrate, pierceNear Antonyms misapprehend, misconceive, misconstrue, misinterpret, misperceive, misread, mistake, misunderstandAntonyms miss