decipher

verb

de·​ci·​pher dē-ˈsī-fər How to pronounce decipher (audio)
deciphered; deciphering; deciphers

transitive verb

1
: decode sense 1a
decipher a secret message
2
obsolete : depict
with her majesty's name deciphered in gold lettersJonathan Swift
3
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
decipherable adjective
decipherer noun
decipherment noun

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
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.
In other words, there was too much atmospheric static to decipher information using classical techniques. Joanna Thompson, Space.com, 21 June 2025 Mortgage professionals have mastered the art of deciphering hidden meanings, changing fears into wisdom and confusion into action. Neil Anders, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 Some TikTok creators posted videos of themselves sobbing after hearing the news of Trigg’s death, while others zoomed into photos of Kiser’s house in an attempt to decipher safety regulations and cast blame. Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 5 June 2025 His success inspired Hyland to believe that deciphering narrative, nonnumerical khipus might be possible. Sam Kean, The Atlantic, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for decipher

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of decipher was in 1545

Cite this Entry

“Decipher.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decipher. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

decipher

verb
de·​ci·​pher di-ˈsī-fər How to pronounce decipher (audio)
1
: to convert into understandable form
especially : decode
2
: to make out the meaning of despite lack of clearness
decipher sloppy handwriting
decipherable adjective
decipherment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on decipher

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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