decipher

verb

de·​ci·​pher dē-ˈsī-fər How to pronounce decipher (audio)
deciphered; deciphering; deciphers
Synonyms of decipher

transitive verb

1
: decode sense 1a
decipher a secret message
2
obsolete : depict
… with her majesty's name deciphered in gold letters …—Jonathan Swift
3
a
: to make out the meaning of despite indistinctness or obscurity
trying to decipher her handwriting
b
: to interpret the meaning of
decipher the poem
decipherable
dē-ˈsī-f(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce decipher (audio)
adjective
decipherer
dē-ˈsī-fər-ər How to pronounce decipher (audio)
noun
decipherment
dē-ˈsī-fər-mənt How to pronounce decipher (audio)
noun

Synonyms of decipher

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Examples of decipher in a Sentence

I couldn't decipher his sloppy handwriting. we deciphered the hidden message to find out when we were supposed to meet
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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 The prevention of future pandemics relies on information from previous outbreaks, which is one reason why deciphering the origins of the COVID-19 began is important. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Aug. 2026 Plants can also decipher positive and negative thoughts and attitudes. — Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decipher

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of decipher was in 1545

Rhymes for decipher

See All Rhymes for decipher

Browse Nearby Words

decimosexto
decipher
decipherable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decipher.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decipher. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

decipher

verb
de·​ci·​pher di-ˈsī-fər How to pronounce decipher (audio)
1
: to convert into understandable form
especially : decode
2
: to make out the meaning of despite lack of clearness
decipher sloppy handwriting
decipherable
-f(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce decipher (audio)
adjective
decipherment
-fər-mənt How to pronounce decipher (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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