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 When a product is recalled, a human being — an inspector, a store associate or a customer — needs to decipher the bin and lot number to determine whether a product is safe or dangerous. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026 Western San Gabriel Mountains/Highway 14 Corridor When an air quality alert pops up on the radar, deciphering its implications is crucial. — Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 30 July 2026 The discovery began in 2024, when a representative of the monastery's preservation association asked Tornau to decipher the manuscript. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026 Uncertainty notwithstanding, the longevity world has glommed onto the notion that the vaginal microbiome is some kind of exotic tealeaf that can be deciphered—and perfected by purchasing the right supplements. — Sarah Digregorio, Vanity Fair, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for decipher

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decipher

Verb

By taking stem cells from a host’s own body and encouraging them to differentiate before mixing them with a commercially available, soluble matrix gel, researchers may have cracked the most critical problems in the transplant process.

— Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
After sitting undisturbed even as a few shots passed close to them, one flew for its life — just as Medvedev cracked a forehand crosscourt that Gorzny could only send into the net.

— Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of crack

Verb

Luiz understands that aspect, too, acknowledging that Sporting KC needed him four separate times during Thursday’s news conference.

— Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
Instead of starting with a new component, its engineers worked to understand the hardware already available to NAVAIR.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of understand

Verb

The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has developed a way to test real oil-and-gas-style well equipment using actual supercritical CO₂, rather than testing it with water or air and hoping the results translate.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
For the traditional Telugu Hindu ceremony, their priest translated Sanskrit to English in real time, and the mandap was designed as a circle to represent how life flows into itself for eternity.

— Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of translate

Verb

Kusama’s large-scale sculptures and immersive installations break attendance records at museums and galleries around the world, and her works regularly set records at auction.

— Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Diamondbacks third baseman Jose Fernandez broke hard for the ball, and no one covered third in his place.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of break

Verb

Its uniquely wide view will also help scientists decode the intricacies of dark matter and dark energy while perhaps clearing up some contradictions about our universe that scientists have been scratching their heads over for decades.

— Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Autistic people of all genders often struggle with nuances of social communication like decoding nonverbal cues, identifying shifts in tone or asking reciprocal questions.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of decode

Verb

Miles This name is another way to recognize Miles Austin (or the number of miles players run to prepare for the season when no one is watching).

— Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026
The result can be a company that AI fails to recognize, recognizes incorrectly or resolves in favor of a competitor.

— Joseph Byrum, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026