CIPHER Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

cipher 1 of 2

noun

ˈsī-fər

Definition of cipher

as in nothing

the numerical symbol 0 or the absence of number or quantity represented by it remember to put the cipher after the decimal point

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

cipher

2 of 2

verb

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

Noun

As zonky cross-generational ciphers go, the group’s debut, Strictly 4 the Scythe, is no Hypnotize Camp Posse, the amalgam of Three 6 Mafia and a grip of artists signed to their Hypnotize Minds label in the early 2000s. — Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 12 Mar. 2026 The still-unidentified Zodiac Killer, who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1960s, frequently sent threats, demands and ciphers to multiple local papers — namely the San Francisco Chronicle. — Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 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 These remnants, signals from an earlier phase of our human condition, have been endlessly ciphered by generations of archaeologists in the Bears Ears region (which is named for twin buttes near its center). — Stephen Nash, New York Times, 25 July 2017 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

Definition of nothing

Noun

In the trailer, the civilians are selling themselves as a new breed of nobodies.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of nobody

Verb

On average, a Costco shopper makes 31 trips annually, spending $99 per visit for a total annual outlay of $3,043 – figures that comfortably eclipse competitors like Sam’s Club and BJ’s, Numerator said.

— Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026
Their wide receiver group Sunday figures to include Bateman, Walker, return specialist LaJohntay Wester, Moore and Sarratt.

— Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of figure

Noun

Within a certain interval, the zeros appear to all lie on a straight line.

— Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026
Underwood sailed his first Hail Mary attempt out of the back of the end zone, and despite the clock appearing to hit triple zeros to end the game, officials added one second back onto the clock after a review, which led to Underwood's heroics.

— Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of zero

Noun

Local news video showed the bridge temporarily closed as LAPD officers stood among youths lined up with their hands zip-tied behind their backs.

— Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Allen opened with a scrambly, 38-yard lob to leaping, stretching tight end Dalton Kincaid and followed with a 15-yard zip to Moore on an in route to the Texans’ 43-yard line.

— Tim Graham, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of zip

Noun

The terry cloth also hits that sweet spot between lightweight and substantial, which is especially ideal for transitional weather.

— Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2026
Suddenly, the breezy slips, casual flip-flops, and lightweight separates of summer no longer fit into fall’s busy daily routine.

— Minty Mellon, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of lightweight

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Style

“Cipher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cipher. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of cipher

noun

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