decipher
verb (used with object)
to make out the meaning of (poor or partially obliterated writing, etc.).
deciphered
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past participleof decipher.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof decipher.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
decipherverb (used with object)to make out the meaning of (poor or partially obliterated writing, etc.).
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For decades, they remained largely untouched, but researchers have now deciphered them, uncovering texts that range from magical rituals to royal records and everyday administrative notes.
From Science Daily ● May 5, 2026
But the point for Kagan in bringing up this legislative history was merely to provide “yet more proof” of statutory meaning already deciphered through “straight-up statutory construction.”
From Slate ● Mar. 4, 2026
If comprehensively deciphered, the relationships between the species populating the genealogical tree of life, Mr. Telford argues, offer the possibility of understanding the evolutionary history of every component of natural biology.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 26, 2025
The S-shaped copper sculpture has baffled cryptography enthusiasts since its 1990 installation on the grounds of the CIA headquarters in Virginia, with three of its four messages deciphered so far.
From Barron's ● Nov. 19, 2025
Kyle spread out the remaining cookies in his palm: U N F E H A V. He grinned as he deciphered an easy anagram.
From "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" by Chris Grabenstein
