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Synonyms

decoding

American  
[dee-koh-ding] / diˈkoʊ dɪŋ /

noun

  1. the act, process, or result of extracting meaning or usable information, as from a code, written or spoken symbols, or an electronic signal.

    The device that performs the decoding is called a digital to analog converter.

    Recent decodings of the hieroglyphs at Palenque refer to dates beyond the end of the Mayan calendar.


adjective

  1. relating to the process of extracting meaning or usable information, as from a code or an electronic signal.

    The decoding algorithm will have to discern a valid signal from the noise.

Etymology

Origin of decoding

First recorded in 1895–1900; decod(e) ( def. ) + -ing 1 ( def. ) for the noun; decod(e) ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. ) for the adjective

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.

The approach could have wide-ranging applications, from decoding genetic activity to improving weather predictions.

From Science Daily • May 6, 2026

The company promises Ising will deliver up to three times higher accuracy for the decoding process central to quantum error correction.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

“I’m all about decoding the rhythms of the music,” she adds.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

The second hurdle to overcome is the “software challenge” of decoding the brain’s signals and converting them to computer code.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Calder tore it open and began decoding as Petra watched, fascinated.

From "Chasing Vermeer" by Blue Balliett

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