DECODE Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

decode

verb

(ˌ)dē-ˈkōd

Definition of decode

as in to decipher

to change (as a secret message) from code into ordinary language the agents worked into the night to decode the intercepted message from the enemy spy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to understand

to have a clear idea of I was never able to decode the strange relationship that existed between those two people

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 decode The data is received by an external headpiece and sent to a separate processor for decoding. — Shannon Cuthrell, IEEE Spectrum, 20 Aug. 2026 And there is something satisfying in tracking clues and decoding references. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026 After 11 camp practices, the Bears are still trying to decode the mystery for what kind of player Wills can be this season. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026 Worse still, the messages can be encoded such that a human trying to figure out what is going on will be unable to decode the sneaky digital traffic. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decode

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decode

Verb

These documents that make up your pathology report are important for guiding your treatment but can be difficult to decipher on your own.

— Nicole Pajer, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
And navigating a website might involve deciphering images or knowing what links to click.

— Jennifer D. Kobrin, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of decipher

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

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

Definition of recognize

Verb

Barclays projects that palm oil, coconut oil, and rubber could rise by 30% to 40% over the next 18 months, coffee could see an additional 20% to 30% surge, and rice could increase by a further 10% to 20%.

— , CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Authorities initially said Saylor’s mother reported that her child had wandered off from a rental home in Hagley Estates in Pawleys Island and was last seen wearing her swimsuit.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of see

Verb

The scale of the devastation difficult to grasp after that wall of water caught everyone off guard, crashing into entire villages.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Clients are looking for a partner who grasps their objectives, assists with key financial choices, and adapts alongside them as their circumstances shift, said Scott Stearsman, head of Premier and branch banking at Truist.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of grasp

Verb

Junior quarterback Aaron McCormack, who is the coach’s son and ran for a touchdown and threw a touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Justin Slaven, is among the teammates who quickly came to appreciate Harris’ talents.

— Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
One shopper appreciated the cushy insoles, while another called out how surprisingly soft the leather feels.

— Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of appreciate

Browse Nearby Words

decocts

decode

decoded

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Decode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decode. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of decode

verb

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