deconstruct
verb
de·con·struct
ˌdē-kən-ˈstrəkt 
deconstructed; deconstructing; deconstructs
1
: to examine (something, such as a work of literature) using the methods of deconstruction
2
: to take apart or examine (something) in order to reveal the basis or composition often with the intention of exposing biases, flaws, or inconsistencies
deconstruct the myths of both the left and the right—
Wayne Karlin
Wayne Karlin3
: to adapt or separate the elements of for use in an ironic or radically new way
uses his masterly tailoring skills to deconstruct the classics—Vogue
VogueExamples of deconstruct in a Sentence
deconstructing the economic theories of John Maynard Keynes
Recent Examples on the Web
Already, workers have partially deconstructed the existing dam, dumped fill material and poured concrete for the expansion.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2025
Brian Craig/Getty Images Lopez upped the ante with her jewelry, wearing a modular, geometric Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, whose pendant could be deconstructed into a brooch and earrings.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
Mineral sunscreens soothe skin and are ideal for sensitive skin types, their formulas tend to be more stable in sunlight and don’t deconstruct as quickly as their chemical counterparts.
—Bea McMonagle, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
The Kylie Cosmetics founder dazzled in her dress, which deconstructed the classic corset.
—Michel Mejía, Glamour, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deconstruct
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Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2025
Brian Craig/Getty Images Lopez upped the ante with her jewelry, wearing a modular, geometric Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, whose pendant could be deconstructed into a brooch and earrings.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
Mineral sunscreens soothe skin and are ideal for sensitive skin types, their formulas tend to be more stable in sunlight and don’t deconstruct as quickly as their chemical counterparts.
—Bea McMonagle, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
The Kylie Cosmetics founder dazzled in her dress, which deconstructed the classic corset.
—Michel Mejía, Glamour, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deconstruct
Cite this Entry
“Deconstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deconstruct. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.
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