Decipher — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /dē-ˈsī-fər/ de·ci·pher

Meaning & Definition of Decipher

Decipher (verb)

  1. decode
  2. depict
  3. to make out the meaning of despite indistinctness or obscurity

Decipher (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: break, crack, decode, decrypt
    related: descramble, unscramble, render, translate, dope (out), figure out, puzzle (out), solve, unravel, unriddle, work, work out
    opposite: cipher, code, encipher, encode, encrypt
    near: garble, jumble (up), mix (up)

  2. to have a clear idea of

    "a convoluted thriller, the plot of which I was never able to actually decipher"

    similar: appreciate, apprehend, assimilate, behold, catch, catch on (to), cognize, compass, comprehend, conceive, cotton (to or on to), decode, dig, discern, get, grasp, grok, intuit, know, make, make out, perceive, recognize, register, savvy, see, seize, sense, tumble (to), twig, understand, pick up on
    related: absorb, digest, take in, realize, fathom, penetrate, pierce
    opposite: miss
    near: misapprehend, misconceive, misconstrue, misinterpret, misperceive, misread, mistake, misunderstand

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Decipher

The most common words with a similar meaning to Decipher:

break, crack, decode, decrypt, appreciate, apprehend, assimilate, behold, catch, catch on (to), cognize, compass, comprehend, conceive, cotton (to or on to), dig, discern, get, grasp, grok, intuit, know, make, make out, perceive, recognize, register, savvy, see, seize, sense, tumble (to), twig, understand, pick up on

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Decipher

Words with the opposite meaning of Decipher:

cipher, code, encipher, encode, encrypt, miss

Related Words for Decipher

descramble, unscramble, render, translate, dope (out), figure out, puzzle (out), solve, unravel, unriddle, work, work out, absorb, digest, take in, realize, fathom, penetrate, pierce

Near Antonyms of Decipher

garble, jumble (up), mix (up), misapprehend, misconceive, misconstrue, misinterpret, misperceive, misread, mistake, misunderstand

Word Forms of Decipher

Inflections: deciphered, deciphering, deciphers

Derived words: decipherable (adjective), decipherer (noun), decipherment (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Decipher

First known use: 1545

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Decipher

Frequently Asked Questions about Decipher

What does "Decipher" mean?

"Decipher" means decode. As a verb, it is defined as: decode. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Decipher"?

Other words for "Decipher" include break, crack, decode, decrypt, appreciate, apprehend, assimilate and behold. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Decipher" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Decipher"?

There are 54 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Decipher". Common alternatives include break, crack, decode, decrypt, appreciate, apprehend, assimilate, behold, catch and catch on (to).

What is the opposite of "Decipher"?

Antonyms of "Decipher" include cipher, code, encipher, encode, encrypt and miss. Near antonyms include garble, jumble (up), mix (up) and misapprehend.

How do you use "Decipher" in a sentence?

Examples of "Decipher" in a sentence: "we deciphered the hidden message to find out when we were supposed to meet"; "a convoluted thriller, the plot of which I was never able to actually decipher".

Is "Decipher" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Decipher" is a verb.

Is "Decipher" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Decipher" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Decipher"?

"Decipher" is pronounced /dē-ˈsī-fər/ and divided into syllables as de·ci·pher.