as in decoding
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1
as in cracking
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in understanding
to have a clear idea of
a convoluted thriller, the plot of which I was never able to actually decipher
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deciphering
Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
By building out a picture of the whales’ health, habits and diet, researchers are deciphering the many ways humans impact their lives and guiding conservation actions that may mean life or death for the orcas.
—Kelso Harper, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025
By uncovering these complex vocal structures, this research marks a crucial step in deciphering the meaning behind sperm whale communication.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 12 Nov. 2025
Dreams are a concept that humans have been fascinated with deciphering for thousands of years.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
Though historians have called for further research before making claims, the proposal of a script rooted in sign language might open the chance to explore a new way of deciphering Mayan art and show the ancient civilization to be even more sophisticated and efficient than scholars even knew.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2025
To make deciphering all these invites a little easier, here’s what to know about formal attire.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2025
Figuring out how to drop and fold rear seats was a snap, as was deciphering Kia’s latest tech amenities.
—Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Verb
As an avalanche and dead bodies ratchet up the suspense, Zach must lean on his mother’s wisdom to fight for his life while deciphering a confusing undercurrent of danger, violence and betrayal among the survivors.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
By building out a picture of the whales’ health, habits and diet, researchers are deciphering the many ways humans impact their lives and guiding conservation actions that may mean life or death for the orcas.
—Kelso Harper, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025
By uncovering these complex vocal structures, this research marks a crucial step in deciphering the meaning behind sperm whale communication.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 12 Nov. 2025
Dreams are a concept that humans have been fascinated with deciphering for thousands of years.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
Though historians have called for further research before making claims, the proposal of a script rooted in sign language might open the chance to explore a new way of deciphering Mayan art and show the ancient civilization to be even more sophisticated and efficient than scholars even knew.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2025
To make deciphering all these invites a little easier, here’s what to know about formal attire.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2025
Figuring out how to drop and fold rear seats was a snap, as was deciphering Kia’s latest tech amenities.
—Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deciphering
Noun
-
Still, his words require considerable decoding.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
-
In ‘Remastered’ mode, each DAC chipset processes up to DSD1024, and in their custom configuration, achieves the native decoding that allows for DSD512, DSD1024 or the new pinnacle of DSD2048.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Dosunmu operated at times like a one-man wrecking crew, forcing his way downhill in the half court and cracking open the Heat’s confounded defense in the flow of transition.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Trust that whatever is cracking open now is making room for a more authentic version of you to emerge.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In school, Yoneifer was learning English fast, understanding basic expressions and responding in Spanish, his mom says.—
Maeva Bambuck,
CNN Money,
1 Feb. 2026
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The bottom line, though, is about understanding your teen and how this trend is affecting them, rather than fighting back against the trend for the sake of it.—
Jana Pollack,
Parents,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The records themselves are not easy to use; manuscripts are shelved around the world, and the texts, written in four different European languages, still have not been fully brought together in modern translations and analysis.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
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Spokesperson of the ruling Democratic Party Kim Hyun-jung said Trump was likely referring to the Special Act on Strategic Investment Management between Korea and the United States, according to a Google translation of the statement in Korean, submitted to the country’s parliament last November.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The challenge, however, is translating that intent into action while simultaneously delivering the rapid returns that executive leadership demands.—
Kolawole Samuel Adebayo,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
During the Second Empire, Eugenia made jewelry a central element of her public image and found in Mellerio an ally capable of translating power, sophistication and modernity in pieces of great visual impact.—
Marta Martínez Tato,
Vanity Fair,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Low-resolution Surveying involves gathering surface-level information about a wide variety of topics—knowing a little about a lot of stuff.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
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That includes knowing when to let go of something that no longer serves you.—
Andrew Rosen,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But if Rubio is serious about breaking China's grip on critical minerals, his summit should devote equal attention to building up the secondary market for recycled materials.—
Kristen Edgreen Kaufman,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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The result is a supremely creamy sauce that clings to the chicken and mushrooms without breaking.—
Hana Asbrink,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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As for whether comprehending the wiring of the brain really demands techniques from the frontiers of theoretical physics, questions remain.—
Lee Billings,
Scientific American,
13 Jan. 2026
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And only by comprehending the Star Eaters will Ro also comprehend his part in their potential destruction.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deciphering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deciphering. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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