decipher
verb
de·ci·pher
dē-ˈsī-fər 
deciphered; deciphering; deciphers
1
: decode sense 1a
decipher a secret message
2
obsolete
: depict
… with her majesty's name deciphered in gold letters …—
Jonathan Swift
Jonathan Swift3
a
: to make out the meaning of despite indistinctness or obscurity
trying to decipher her handwriting
b
: to interpret the meaning of
decipher the poem
Examples of decipher in a Sentence
I couldn't decipher his sloppy handwriting.
we deciphered the hidden message to find out when we were supposed to meet
Recent Examples on the Web
Armed with an adventure kit, participants are summoned to a secret location where they’re tasked with deciphering cryptic codes, uncovering hidden symbols, navigating shifting alliances and outwit enemies and operatives stationed around the campus.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
Immigration experts who were trying to decipher the news said the memo was more nuanced, leading to confusion over what the change actually entailed.
—Rebecca Santana, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
This season, with a full deck of defensive backs — including rookies Will Lee and Zakee Wheatley — Evero will decipher his best secondary combinations.
—Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2026
As a preface, the conclusion here, deciphered from the scene by this author, was a plea for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for decipher
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Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
Immigration experts who were trying to decipher the news said the memo was more nuanced, leading to confusion over what the change actually entailed.
—Rebecca Santana, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
This season, with a full deck of defensive backs — including rookies Will Lee and Zakee Wheatley — Evero will decipher his best secondary combinations.
—Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2026
As a preface, the conclusion here, deciphered from the scene by this author, was a plea for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for decipher
Cite this Entry
“Decipher.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decipher. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
decipher
verb
de·ci·pher
di-ˈsī-fər
1
: to convert into understandable form
especially
: decode
2
: to make out the meaning of despite lack of clearness
decipher sloppy handwriting
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