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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
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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
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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.
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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.
Noun
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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.
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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.
Verb
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Legal steps necessary to make Orlando the capital of Florida are so simple, in fact, that any one can figure them out.
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John’s problem, his brother figured, was a lack of direction.
Noun
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For those on a budget with slightly less zeroes, RPM Bakehouse is a more laissez-faire, cafe-slash bakery.
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Kids whose families had been chased out of half of Europe started the picture studios, the scrap yards that became fortunes, and eventually the software companies that created a whole new world of ones and zeros.
Noun
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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.
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Many get very large, so be sure to buy a dwarf variety for foundation plantings.
Verb
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For months, shipping companies have been in wait and see mode, carefully calculating the risk of moving ships through the strait.
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High of 86, low of 68 The humidity could also make the heat harder to tolerate, with a higher humidity playing a part in how NWS calculates the risk for extreme heat.
Noun
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Sehgal, who wore a jacket and a quarter zip, took in the monument’s massive granite pylons, inscribed with the names and ranks of the more than four thousand Americans who never returned from the Atlantic during the Second World War.
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Use clear or black zip-ties to further secure any loose points on the line.
Noun
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The lightweight, toner-meets-serum formula also layers in niacinamide and adenosine for anyone chasing a bouncy, healthy glow.
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Now through June 26, the brand is offering up to 90% off lightweight bedding from Laura Ashley, Eddie Bauer, and Kenneth Cole, as well as patio essentials and indoor furniture, including popular accent chairs and coffee tables.
Cite this Entry
“Cipher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cipher. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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