1
2
as in nobody
a person of no importance or influence
it was either write the Great American Novel or be consigned to the status of a cipher in the annals of literature
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to figure
to determine (a value) by doing the necessary mathematical operations
were surprised by how much we had spent on the cruise after we had ciphered out the grand total
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cipher
PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025
She, the cinema; he, the audience — these ciphers would be compelling in short-form, but in carrying a feature they’re only buoyed by the natural chemistry of their performers.
—Blake Simons, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2025
Tor Constantino, Forbes.com, 5 Sep. 2025
An Enigma ciphering machine that was donated to the museum by telecommunications company SIRTI.Photo: Cantalupi, Pavia
One of the artifacts from SIRTI collection was a German ciphering machine used in World War II, an Enigma, Savini says.
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 Feb. 2020
See All Example Sentences for cipher
Noun
Such ciphers are easy to crack using techniques such as checking letter frequency and identifying common patterns.
—PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025
She, the cinema; he, the audience — these ciphers would be compelling in short-form, but in carrying a feature they’re only buoyed by the natural chemistry of their performers.
—Blake Simons, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
The real challenge from AI will likely emerge in the weeks and months ahead as firms cipher through Judge Mehta’s enforcement of behavioral requirements.
—Tor Constantino, Forbes.com, 5 Sep. 2025
An Enigma ciphering machine that was donated to the museum by telecommunications company SIRTI.Photo: Cantalupi, Pavia
One of the artifacts from SIRTI collection was a German ciphering machine used in World War II, an Enigma, Savini says.
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 Feb. 2020
See All Example Sentences for cipher
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cipher
Noun
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When Dana, who, like Virginia, had been successful in writing pleasant but undistinguished nothings—in her case, songs for Billy Rose’s revues—decided to try taking on more serious music by studying with Boulanger, Virginia entered a deep downward spiral.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
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Why did her mom press so hard for the littlest of nothings?—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
4 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Seattle’s John Schneider and New England’s Eliot Wolf rose up from young nobodies to graduate from Green Bay Packers University, too.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Many of Newsom’s critics who breathlessly report on his evil plans (that the left-wing mainstream media supposedly cover up) are just nobodies who feign authority and are obviously fronting for right-wing organizations.—
Dan Walters,
Oc Register,
16 Dec. 2025
Verb
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There's no exact cause known for the rise in cancers among young people, according to experts, but researchers are trying to figure it out.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
23 Feb. 2026
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His three-cone and short-shuttle times figure to be important, but his on-field work showing his bench and flexibility will be key as well.—
Austin American Statesman,
Austin American Statesman,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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That’s one followed by thirty zeros.—
David Sedaris,
New Yorker,
23 Feb. 2026
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All zeroes, including from Bananas head coach/manager Tyler Gillum.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Low-growing dwarf varieties like ‘Goldflame’ feature yellow to orange foliage that complements crepe myrtle’s dark green leaves, while ‘Magic Carpet’ can be planted to form a lush border of hot pink blooms.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
23 Feb. 2026
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For smaller yards, consider dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties, such as the disease-resistant Baldwin apple.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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So take the time to calculate your costs with both rates and terms, and don't forget to account for mortgage refinancing closing costs, which can typically be rolled into your new loan or paid upfront.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
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That included calculating not only its carbon footprint, but also its water use footprint and biodiversity impacts across operations.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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This style is designed in cotton-blend denim with a zip-and-button fly, five-pocket styling, and angled seams at the knees.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
InStyle,
23 Feb. 2026
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Raft along the Martha Brae River, enjoy zip lining and hiking in the hillsides, or visit Rose Hall Great House for a look into the island's history.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Single-density foam works well for standard impacts and keeps the helmet lightweight and affordable.—
Adam Trenkamp,
Outside,
16 Feb. 2026
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In the lightweights, Cash McClurg (108 pounds) and Emilio Escobar (120) won titles, the latter winning 21-5 for a technical fall.—
Breven Honda,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cipher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cipher. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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