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 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

The researchers developed their fiber-optic system to detect acoustic emissions, or small vibrations produced when materials undergo changes such as cracking.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
Several months later, the discovery of the two suitcases in Wisconsin would crack the case wide open.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of crack

Verb

But the really impactful part is understanding the function and developing it into a tool.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026
The committee isn’t fully aware of the muddy bog in which Taverner is currently sinking, but Lamb is starting to understand the shape of it.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of understand

Verb

The German robotics company described the system as a Perception-Language-Action (PLA) model that processes sensory information and translates it into physical actions.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
As a kid, Havi Nguyen sometimes missed school to translate at doctor’s appointments, and was managing Medicaid paperwork for herself and her sisters, on behalf of their parents who’d immigrated from Vietnam.

— Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of translate

Verb

Depending on the machine and settings, that material ends up in a purge tower built alongside the print, or in a collection of little plastic doll's-house-looking spaghetti balls, affectionately known as printer poop.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
Cringing can therefore manifest as the abashment of not knowing (yet; possibly ever) how to read something.

— Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of know

Verb

At a time when the fourth wall between fan and wrestler had long collapsed, Satterley rarely broke character.

— Rudy Chinchilla, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2026
Catch up on breaking news, exclusive interviews, political analysis, original reporting, and standout moments — all in one place, every week.

— Washington Examiner, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of break

Verb

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
Unfortunately, the average consumer doesn’t have the knowledge necessary to comprehend and act on those results.

— Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of comprehend

Verb

For example, the strength of Google DeepMind’s AlphaFold, which won the 2024 Nobel Prize in chemistry for decoding protein structures, comes from training the AI system on a narrow, specialized data source collected over decades.

— Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026
The most recent version of the Shield streaming box debuted in 2019, running Android TV with AI upscaling and hardware decoding for almost any type of media.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 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