CIPHER Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

cipher 1 of 2

noun

ˈsī-fər

Definition of cipher

as in nothing

the numerical symbol 0 or the absence of number or quantity represented by it remember to put the cipher after the decimal point

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in nobody

a person of no importance or influence it was either write the Great American Novel or be consigned to the status of a cipher in the annals of literature

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cipher

2 of 2

verb

as in to figure

to determine (a value) by doing the necessary mathematical operations were surprised by how much we had spent on the cruise after we had ciphered out the grand total

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of cipher

Noun

As zonky cross-generational ciphers go, the group’s debut, Strictly 4 the Scythe, is no Hypnotize Camp Posse, the amalgam of Three 6 Mafia and a grip of artists signed to their Hypnotize Minds label in the early 2000s. — Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 12 Mar. 2026 The still-unidentified Zodiac Killer, who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1960s, frequently sent threats, demands and ciphers to multiple local papers — namely the San Francisco Chronicle. — Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026

Verb

The real challenge from AI will likely emerge in the weeks and months ahead as firms cipher through Judge Mehta’s enforcement of behavioral requirements. — Tor Constantino, Forbes.com, 5 Sep. 2025 These remnants, signals from an earlier phase of our human condition, have been endlessly ciphered by generations of archaeologists in the Bears Ears region (which is named for twin buttes near its center). — Stephen Nash, New York Times, 25 July 2017 See All Example Sentences for cipher

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cipher

Noun

While CinemaCon 2026 brought us exciting news about new films, it was also bogged down with status quo nothings about how Amazon MGM still hasn’t found a new James Bond.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
When Dana, who, like Virginia, had been successful in writing pleasant but undistinguished nothings—in her case, songs for Billy Rose’s revues—decided to try taking on more serious music by studying with Boulanger, Virginia entered a deep downward spiral.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026

Definition of nothing

Noun

In the trailer, the civilians are selling themselves as a new breed of nobodies.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026
Despite the tragicomic instability and the rotating cast of nobodies temporarily tasked with running the country, when seen in macroeconomic terms, Peru appears to be doing just fine, thank you.

— Daniel Alarcón, New Yorker, 4 June 2026

Definition of nobody

Verb

The screening’s reception was so strong that nearly every major player entered the fray, driving the bidding to figures the indie distributor simply couldn’t turn down.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
French productions and talent still often figure highly in the awards season winning prizes outside of the international feature category.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of figure

Noun

This Zuckerberg is no longer made of flesh and blood but ones and zeros.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
The Liberty inbounded from under their own basket and got the ball to Stewart, but her desperation shot was no good as the clock ticked to triple zeros.

— Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of zero

Verb

The group compared water bills in 2025 to 2015, calculating the annual amount for a typical household using 60,000 gallons of water indoors, or about 50 gallons per person per day.

— Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Integral members of American society, whose absence contributes to financial and psychological damage to other Americans—typically children—in ways yet to be calculated.

— Daniel Peña, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of calculate

Noun

One pair of black jeans featured a zip-front construction without a traditional waistband, while cropped jackets styled with low-rise jeans emphasized the return of the bare midriff.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
Tyson Bagent’s first-half interception was a bit ugly — not enough zip and too far behind tight end Colston Loveland on a pass over the middle that found Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick instead.

— Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of zip

Noun

But The Elec doesn’t seem to say if that lightweight FSR4 model is coming to handhelds specifically.

— Sean Hollister, The Verge, 8 Oct. 2026
For Pruitt, the what’s next will be a focus on comfort, a shoe that lightweight and breathable, and with some performance aspects in the sneaker.

— Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of lightweight

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“Cipher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cipher. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of cipher

noun

verb

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