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
So the design of the dress has that deconstructed punk look.
—Simon Perry, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025
In recent years, crews have deconstructed several dams near the West Coast, including four on the Klamath River in California and Oregon as part of the largest dam removal project in U.S. history.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
In deconstructing cinema, the movies seek to deconstruct life itself.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025
Those are just a few of dozens of executive orders that seek to deconstruct the government.
—Joseph P. Tomain, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deconstruct
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Simon Perry, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025
In recent years, crews have deconstructed several dams near the West Coast, including four on the Klamath River in California and Oregon as part of the largest dam removal project in U.S. history.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
In deconstructing cinema, the movies seek to deconstruct life itself.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025
Those are just a few of dozens of executive orders that seek to deconstruct the government.
—Joseph P. Tomain, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 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 21 Mar. 2025.
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