cryptanalysis

noun

crypt·​anal·​y·​sis ˌkrip-tə-ˈna-lə-səs 

1

: the solving of cryptograms or cryptographic systems

2

: the theory of solving cryptograms or cryptographic systems : the art of devising methods for cryptanalysis

cryptanalytic

ˌkrip-ˌta-nə-ˈli-tik 

adjective

or less commonly cryptanalytical

ˌkrip-ˌta-nə-ˈli-ti-kəl 

Examples of cryptanalysis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Monday blog post goes on to argue, however, that the results are nonetheless meaningful and could ultimately fundamentally disrupt the process of cryptanalysis, or the adversarial testing of cryptosystems. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 29 July 2026

The timetable for practical cryptanalysis has been shortened in 2026 thanks to advancements in hardware and algorithms. — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

The consoles’ multicore processors used the Cell architecture developed by IBM, Sony, and Toshiba, which was well suited to running lots of computing processes in parallel, as is required in cryptanalysis. — IEEE Spectrum, 28 Dec. 2024

Quantum cryptanalysis is in its infancy and will be among the highest development priorities for global intelligence agencies to break digital security. — Denis Mandich, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

Using lattice cryptanalysis, the number of login attempts required for the attack can be reduced to 512. — Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 21 June 2022

Word History

Etymology

crypt- + analysis

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cryptanalysis

• urinalysis
• analysis
• dialysis
• paralysis
• electrodialysis
• haemodialysis
• hemodialysis
• microanalysis
• psychoanalysis