write in code vs cipher

write in code is not a noun while cipher is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
write in code	No	No	Yes	No
cipher	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, write in code and cipher are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of write in code include code, cypher, encipher, encrypt, inscribe.

write in code (noun)	cipher (noun)
	a secret method of writing
	a message written in a secret code
	a person of no influence
	a quantity of no importance; thing (object:), singular, negative pronoun; pronoun, thing, singular; quantifier: negative existential
	a mathematical element that when added to another number yields the same number

write in code (verb)	cipher (verb)
convert ordinary language into code	make a mathematical calculation or computation
	convert ordinary language into code