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 Jonestown afflicted Naipaul’s vision, his way of deciphering not just political manias but the dreariness of urban life, the perpetual doom of the nuclear-arms race. — Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 14 July 2026 Angela George The recount board is sticking around after business hours for now to tabulate ballots that needed to be duplicated after the voting machine could not read or decipher the ballot. — Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 8 July 2026 In 2023, the Vesuvius Challenge made its first award for deciphering the first letters, and the following year, the project awarded the grand prize of $700,000 for producing the first readable text. — ArsTechnica, 30 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for decipher

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decipher

Verb

Over the last four years, the Clark County Coroner’s Office, with the assistance of police and the FBI, has leveraged several types of technology trying to crack the cold case.

— Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
But perhaps just as rewarding, and maybe even inspiring, is cracking open a book in a reader-friendly public space.

— Adele Chapin, Washington Post, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of crack

Verb

Three-dimensional geological modelling has improved the ability to understand how a mineral system is shaped at depth.

— Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
The challenge is not simply understanding asset allocation theory but also selecting managers, accessing differentiated opportunities and integrating them into a broader portfolio.

— Alex Shahidi, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of understand

Verb

Industry leaders agree that AI capabilities have yet to fully translate to the frontline.

— Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
There are other aspects of Savinho’s profile that may translate better to a more vertical De Zerbi side compared to Guardiola’s City.

— Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of translate

Verb

My ‘Harmony’ massage is inspired by Lomi Lomi—a traditional Hawaiian healing technique known for its continuous, flowing strokes.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
The experience is…less fun, although bad film aficionados know that some level of tedium is inherent to almost all of the most canonical worst movies ever.

— Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of know

Verb

Taylor splashed a wide-open triple from the top of the arc with 30 seconds to go to give tie the game, and then broke the visitors hearts to improve the Sky’s record to 14-22.

— Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
That assumption is starting to break, and most enterprises aren't measuring the break.

— Himanshu Sinha, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of break

Verb

The honorees, recognized for their craftsmanship, service and dedication within the property department and the broader production community in entertainment, were announced Tuesday.

— Isabelle Farina, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
The following year, she was recognized with the prestigious Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy for her decades of charitable efforts, which also include her foundation’s Imagination Library, a monthly book gifting program for children under five.

— Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026