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

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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 Already, papyrologists are deciphering new texts that indicate other possible authors in the Herculaneum collection, including one of the leaders of the Stoic philosophy school. — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 26 June 2026 The Vesuvius Challenge was launched by Brent Seales, a computer science professor at the University of Kentucky, and entrepreneurs Nat Friedman and Daniel Gross in 2023 to encourage researchers from around the world to try to decipher the scrolls by virtually unwrapping and decoding them. — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 One of the most exciting uses of AI has to be helping historians and archaeologists decipher previously indecipherable or untranslatable ancient texts. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 23 June 2026 The signature was deciphered with the help of AI, and specialists at auction house Lyon & Turnbull were able to confirm that Cadell was the artist. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for decipher

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decipher

Verb

Sort through the berries and get rid of any that look unripe, soft, cracked, red, or leaky.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 July 2026
Scientists are cracking the code for extracting useful molecules from substances designed to harm.

— Steve Midway, STAT, 16 July 2026

Definition of crack

Verb

As with consideration of any new medication, understanding implications, both good and bad, short-term and long-term, need to be fully discussed with any patient and treating physician.

— Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
It’s been understood for years that America’s adversaries and allies alike take a keen interest in how this country practices an imperfect democracy.

— Philip Elliott, Time, 17 July 2026

Definition of understand

Verb

And while Argentina’s culture of talk therapy may turn psychic suffering into words on the therapist’s couch, fans may be reassured that the pros are trained to translate their nerves into strategy on the pitch.

— Caitlin Stephen Hu, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
The Royals hope that translates well to pro ball as their newest first-rounder becomes acclimated.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026

Definition of translate

Verb

Another gripe for many is the American accents uniformly applied to these characters from Greek mythology when everyone knows that all the glorious empires of Hollywood speak exclusively in British accents.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
On the opposite side of the ball, he could be heard barking orders out during pick-and-roll situations, loudly letting teammates know where the ball-handler was headed.

— Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026

Definition of know

Verb

England went ahead of Argentina in the 55th minute of their semifinal, but Messi found another gear and set up both late goals to break England’s hearts and keep Argentina’s run alive.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
Their starvation reached new heights, and the men ultimately broke their promise to Odysseus and killed one of Apollo’s cattle.

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 July 2026

Definition of break

Verb

Knowing which inputs drive the answer—and which assumptions deserve a closer look—is enough to decode a surprising amount of the financial world.

— byDoug Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026
BrainCo developed a dry electrode sensor to capture the signals and an AI algorithm to decode them.

— Elaine Yu, CNBC, 11 July 2026

Definition of decode

Verb

Rather than genetically engineering immune cells, as is sometimes done for other therapies, researchers identify T cells in the patient that naturally recognize three proteins that are found in many brain tumors.

— Sam Macdonald, Scientific American, 14 July 2026
The website received six nominations from the awards body, which recognizes excellence in arts and entertainment journalism.

— Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 14 July 2026