DECIPHER Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

decipher

verb

dē-ˈsī-fər

Definition of decipher

as in to crack

to change (as a secret message) from code into ordinary language we deciphered the hidden message to find out when we were supposed to meet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to understand

to have a clear idea of a convoluted thriller, the plot of which I was never able to actually decipher

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 decipher Whether Nike can bring back that ‘just do it’ energy will decipher its future and the caliber of athletes in its stable. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026 Romanoff sacrifices herself to retrieve the soul stone, and Nebula involuntarily connects with her past self—a connection used by a past Thanos to decipher the Avengers’ plan. — Michael McDonough, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Sep. 2026 But a more apt comparison might be the Mirabilia Urbis Romae, in which Medieval scholars deciphered the staggering ruins of Classical Rome. — Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2026 For these scrolls, the best method for virtually unrolling and deciphering text would be to scan for lead first, according to Seiler. — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decipher

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decipher

Verb

But the real reason this outing cracks the list isn’t simply the six touchdowns.

— Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
Kuemper cracked for the first time with just under six minutes left in the second period when rookie Victor Eklund’s shot squeezed through on a power play.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of crack

Verb

Weiss-Wolf’s advice emphasizes understanding your options and advocating for better health care, while recognizing that disclosing symptoms or requesting an accommodation can carry risks.

— Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 21 Oct. 2026
Reynolds understood how to sell the new pen, too, with advertisements promising an avant-garde writing utensil, capable of enduring long stretches of writing with no need to replenish the ink.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of understand

Verb

The group will work to translate community feedback into tangible progress for the district.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Mining heritage and guochao National pride in China, expressed through the guochao movement, continues to boom in fashion, with local designers finding new ways to translate their own culture in their designs.

— Ashley Ogawa Clarke, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of translate

Verb

The prince didn’t have any luck in blocking Kelce, which comes as little surprise given the Chiefs star knows how to avoid defensive players.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
Anyone who has worked at a fast-growing company at the edge of technology knows that obligations, circumstances and products change daily.

— Daniel Kjellén, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of know

Verb

Miami Hurricanes star wide receiver Malachi Toney once again broke records on Saturday.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026
The Senate Democrats first elected in 1958 established a critical mass that would later drive the bipartisan super-majorities needed to break the filibuster and pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

— Ron Elving, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of break

Verb

No single person can claim to comprehend an EUV machine in its entirety.

— Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
That straining to comprehend the irrational fog of human emotions is the show’s explicit subject only clarifies the problem rather than neutralizing it.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of comprehend

Verb

To detect and fix mistakes during quantum calculations, Quantinuum combines AI decoding with real-time error correction.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
The app also features an AI chatbot called the Miles Mechanic that decodes warning lights, tells you how urgent a fix is, and estimates repair costs.

— Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of decode

Verb

Cornyn’s disengagement has irked Paxton’s allies, who recognize Cornyn’s potential appeal to moderate voters — including those Cruz might not be able to reach.

— Matthew Choi, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2026
Among that trio was The Mayan, built in 1926 as the home of Elks Lodge 705 and recognized as a rare American example of Mayan Revival Architecture.

— Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026