to make out the meaning of (poor or partially obliterated writing, etc.)

to decipher a hastily scribbled note.

to discover the meaning of (anything obscure or difficult to trace or understand)

to decipher hieroglyphics.

to interpret by the use of a key, as something written in cipher

to decipher a secret message.

Obsolete . to depict; portray.

verb

code , encode , scramble

verb

analyze , break , break down , bring out , cipher , construe , crack , decode , deduce , disentangle , dope out , elucidate , encipher , explain , expound , find the key , interpret , make clear , make out , puzzle out , read , render , reveal , solve , spell , translate , unfold , unravel , unriddle , explicate , spell out , clear up , decrypt , understand