Cessna 177 pilot reported a NMAC while descending to avoid clouds and to maintain VFR. The pilot indicated the traffic was previously obscured until the descent; the pilot maneuvered and increased the descent rate to avoid the aircraft.

Narrative

Flying direct from ZZZ1 to ZZZ2 at 9500 MSL; VFR. Clouds appeared to be in my direct path at my altitude so I began a descent to 7500 MSL. Within moments (probably within 30 seconds) I noticed another plane on an intercept path coming from my 11:00. I estimate the plane was within 2000 ft. and might have been obscured from previous scans by thin cloud portions. I could not determine whether they saw me or not; not sure if I perceived them to be turning left but I decided to descend at a much faster rate to avoid the plane. They appeared to also descend and turn left once I was close enough to tell. My understanding is the other plane was on an IFR flight at 9000 MSL. I received no warnings on my system and that particular plane did not show on my GPS. I verified with ZZZ Approach afterwards several other traffic and my system appears to be working. Regardless; I will be having my system checked ASAP and will make increased efforts to scan even more frequently and monitor frequencies when VFR and not on following.