Decode — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /(ˌ)dē-ˈkōd/ de·code

Meaning & Definition of Decode

Decode (verb)

  1. to convert (something, such as a coded message) into intelligible form
  2. to recognize and interpret (an electronic signal)
  3. decipher

Decode (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: break, crack, decipher, 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

    "I was never able to decode the strange relationship that existed between those two people"

    similar: appreciate, apprehend, assimilate, behold, catch, catch on (to), cognize, compass, comprehend, conceive, cotton (to or on to), decipher, 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 Decode

The most common words with a similar meaning to Decode:

break, crack, decipher, 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 Decode

Words with the opposite meaning of Decode:

cipher, code, encipher, encode, encrypt, miss

Related Words for Decode

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 Decode

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

Word Forms of Decode

Inflections: decoded, decoding, decodes

Origin & Etymology of Decode

First known use: 1896

Frequently Asked Questions about Decode

What does "Decode" mean?

"Decode" means to convert (something, such as a coded message) into intelligible form. As a verb, it is defined as: to convert (something, such as a coded message) into intelligible form. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Decode"?

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

What are different ways to say "Decode"?

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

What is the opposite of "Decode"?

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

How do you use "Decode" in a sentence?

Examples of "Decode" in a sentence: "the agents worked into the night to decode the intercepted message from the enemy spy"; "I was never able to decode the strange relationship that existed between those two people".

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

"Decode" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Decode"?

"Decode" is pronounced /(ˌ)dē-ˈkōd/ and divided into syllables as de·code.

What is the origin of the word "Decode"?

First known use: 1896.