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
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.
Recent Examples of cipher
Amir Ahmadi Arian, The Dial, 15 Jan. 2026
Like Dostoyevsky, Capote doesn’t portray his killers as demonic ciphers, instead capturing their messy complexity.
—Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2026
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
The Blind Owl is extremely dense, brimming with metaphors and ciphers and symbols.
—Amir Ahmadi Arian, The Dial, 15 Jan. 2026
Like Dostoyevsky, Capote doesn’t portray his killers as demonic ciphers, instead capturing their messy complexity.
—Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2026
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
-
While CinemaCon 2026 brought us exciting news about new films, it was also bogged down with status quo nothings about how Amazon MGM still hasn’t found a new James Bond.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
17 Apr. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
Despite the tragicomic instability and the rotating cast of nobodies temporarily tasked with running the country, when seen in macroeconomic terms, Peru appears to be doing just fine, thank you.—
Daniel Alarcón,
New Yorker,
4 June 2026
-
Unlike some of his more strapping forebears (think Liam Neeson, Kevin Costner, or Aaron Eckhart), Odenkirk specializes in nobodies and normals: people one would not expect to be killing machines.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Legal steps necessary to make Orlando the capital of Florida are so simple, in fact, that any one can figure them out.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 June 2026
-
John’s problem, his brother figured, was a lack of direction.—
Matthew Blackwell,
Pitchfork,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
Those bits are oriented as either ones or zeroes, indicating on/off switches that make up the basic inputs of any task performed by a computer.—
Emily Chang,
ABC News,
22 June 2026
-
The Skippers pushed their advantage to 6-0 before the clock hit triple zeroes in the opening frame.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Beyond the fruit, the dwarf golden spice pear features clusters of white spring blooms and glossy leaves that turn a striking burgundy or bronze color in the fall.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
22 June 2026
-
Many get very large, so be sure to buy a dwarf variety for foundation plantings.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
20 June 2026
Verb
-
Patients compared treatment quotes, looked at airfare, and calculated whether the trip made financial sense.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
-
Analysts then calculated the average cost of a pie in each city, providing a snapshot of which spots offer the most affordable pizzas.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
The new accessories collection includes key rings, luggage tags, passport covers, card holders, coasters, placemats, notebook and diary covers, zip pouches, bookmarks, napkin holders, desk accessories and a structured briefcase.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
22 June 2026
-
For some, a weekend camping trip doesn’t offer the same rush as whitewater rafting or zip-lining through a jungle.—
David Hickey,
NBC news,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
The technique, demonstrated at the Department of Energy’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, eliminates the need for costly molds while enabling lightweight, foldable structures.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
16 June 2026
-
This lightweight yet roomy bag completely flips the script on traditional carry-ons, coming in at just $128 and packing useful features into a minimal footprint.—
Tanya Sharma,
PEOPLE,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cipher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cipher. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
