1
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
2
as in to understand
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 decipher
One of the most exciting uses of AI has to be helping historians and archaeologists decipher previously indecipherable or untranslatable ancient texts.
—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
As the inscription had been damaged, researchers couldn’t decipher whether this tablet had cursed four slaves or whether four slaves had cried out to the Egyptian gods and demi-heroes, who knows?
—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
20 June 2026
The signature was deciphered with the help of AI, and specialists at auction house Lyon & Turnbull were able to confirm that Cadell was the artist.
—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
20 June 2026
Among the finds are a 4th-century coin bearing the face of Emperor Constantine, as well as medieval pottery fragments bearing markings archaeologists have not yet deciphered.
—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for decipher
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
As the inscription had been damaged, researchers couldn’t decipher whether this tablet had cursed four slaves or whether four slaves had cried out to the Egyptian gods and demi-heroes, who knows?
—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
20 June 2026
The signature was deciphered with the help of AI, and specialists at auction house Lyon & Turnbull were able to confirm that Cadell was the artist.
—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
20 June 2026
Among the finds are a 4th-century coin bearing the face of Emperor Constantine, as well as medieval pottery fragments bearing markings archaeologists have not yet deciphered.
—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for decipher
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decipher
Verb
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Herman Weisberg, a former NYPD detective turned high-profile private investigator, believes one phone call could still crack the case.
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The item was later determined to be crack cocaine, the sheriff’s office said.
Verb
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When choosing a warranty, review the contract, check what is covered, and understand the claims process.
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However, it is rarely used on mainstream weather maps and by TV meteorologists, who favor the heat index that has long reigned supreme and is easily understood by the public.
Verb
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Each extra year of training, for example, translates to $143,000 in additional annual income.
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The Fourth of July Celebrates a Lawyers' Revolution argued that the Declaration represented lawyers translating political protest into legal argument.
Verb
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Cape Verde 40-year-old goalkeeper Josimar Jose Evora Dias, also known as Vozinha, became a fan favorite along the way.
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Sometimes there is a fine line between being a hero or a bum, but Dave has been able to negotiate that line, because players trust him, and the players know that Dave cares about them and their families.
Verb
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Historic heat Since Thursday, heat in the East has broken at least three dozen daily high temperature records, many warmest-low-temperature records as heat reached levels that some cities haven’t experienced in more than a decade.
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The lead secured, Switzerland shifted to a five-man midfield out of possession, snuffing out the space and challenging the Algerians to play through it, but Petkovic’s charges struggled to break their opponents down.
Verb
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And although a counterintuitive concept that seemingly many on the Left struggle to comprehend, higher tax rates ultimately generate less, not more,tax revenue.
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For example, a robot needs to comprehend the different levels of pressure that are required while holding an egg versus holding a bottle of water.
Verb
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That would reduce rewrites, prevent subjective feedback and help teams spend more time shaping strong work instead of decoding vague requests.
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Ekman’s seven-point system, however useful as a package, leans toward rigidity, turning the face once again into a surface to be decoded.
Verb
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Your health can depend on recognizing the warning signs of too much heat and knowing how to act.
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This avian bystander may have recognized a fellow bird of prey in Coriolanus, whose role in the Roman ecosystem is necessary yet not fit for all purposes in a young democracy beset with growing pains.
Cite this Entry
“Decipher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decipher. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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