cryptanalysis
noun
crypt·anal·y·sis
ˌkrip-tə-ˈna-lə-səs 
1
: the solving of cryptograms or cryptographic systems
2
: the theory of solving cryptograms or cryptographic systems : the art of devising methods for cryptanalysis
cryptanalytic
adjective
or less commonly cryptanalytical
Examples of cryptanalysis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
New discoveries continue to push down the number of qubits needed to break current encryption, with more to come as even more advanced AI is used for cryptanalysis.
—
Denis Mandich,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2026
The consoles’ multicore processors used the Cell architecture developed by IBM, Sony, and Toshiba, which was well suited to running lots of computing processes in parallel, as is required in cryptanalysis.
—
IEEE Spectrum,
28 Dec. 2024
Quantum cryptanalysis is in its infancy and will be among the highest development priorities for global intelligence agencies to break digital security.
—
Denis Mandich,
Forbes,
21 Oct. 2024
Using lattice cryptanalysis, the number of login attempts required for the attack can be reduced to 512.
—
Dan Goodin,
Ars Technica,
21 June 2022
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.
Denis Mandich,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2026
The consoles’ multicore processors used the Cell architecture developed by IBM, Sony, and Toshiba, which was well suited to running lots of computing processes in parallel, as is required in cryptanalysis.
—
IEEE Spectrum,
28 Dec. 2024
Quantum cryptanalysis is in its infancy and will be among the highest development priorities for global intelligence agencies to break digital security.
—
Denis Mandich,
Forbes,
21 Oct. 2024
Using lattice cryptanalysis, the number of login attempts required for the attack can be reduced to 512.
—
Dan Goodin,
Ars Technica,
21 June 2022
Cite this Entry
“Cryptanalysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cryptanalysis. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
