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
Vogue
Examples of deconstruct in a Sentence
deconstructing the economic theories of John Maynard Keynes
Recent Examples on the Web
New Destiny Church ‘Genesis 2.0’ Third-year theater major Lucy Huckle plays seven roles in this world-premiere, one-person satire that deconstructs the Garden of Eden scenario.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 May 2024
Today’s Paper | Subscribe The Visual Investigations team combines traditional reporting with digital sleuthing and the forensic analysis of visual evidence to find truth, hold the powerful to account and deconstruct important news events.
—Christoph Koettl, New York Times, 10 May 2024
Those industrial buildings, later used for storage, were deconstructed to make way for the new project.
—Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 3 May 2024
But in addition to using the track as a needle drop several times throughout the film, composer Dominic Lewis deconstructed the song and integrated it into his theme.
—Meredith Woerner, Variety, 3 May 2024
It’s composed of a whole head of radicchio that’s been deconstructed, coated with a black garlic and almond cream as well as a lemony vinaigrette, then reassembled with chunks of blood orange hidden between the leaves (the full recipe is here).
—Gisela Williams, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024
Large portions of the planes have to be deconstructed to check on corrosion and other aspects.
—David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2024
Related Articles As before, Fey deftly deconstructs the bloodthirsty nature of high school, a battle royale over where to sit in the cafeteria.
—Karen D'souza, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2024
The show was an ode to the corporate commute, as models walked a bus turned runway in asymmetrical blazers and deconstructed button-ups.
—Channing Smith, Glamour, 4 Mar. 2024
David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 May 2024
Today’s Paper | Subscribe The Visual Investigations team combines traditional reporting with digital sleuthing and the forensic analysis of visual evidence to find truth, hold the powerful to account and deconstruct important news events.
—Christoph Koettl, New York Times, 10 May 2024
Those industrial buildings, later used for storage, were deconstructed to make way for the new project.
—Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 3 May 2024
But in addition to using the track as a needle drop several times throughout the film, composer Dominic Lewis deconstructed the song and integrated it into his theme.
—Meredith Woerner, Variety, 3 May 2024
It’s composed of a whole head of radicchio that’s been deconstructed, coated with a black garlic and almond cream as well as a lemony vinaigrette, then reassembled with chunks of blood orange hidden between the leaves (the full recipe is here).
—Gisela Williams, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024
Large portions of the planes have to be deconstructed to check on corrosion and other aspects.
—David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2024
Related Articles As before, Fey deftly deconstructs the bloodthirsty nature of high school, a battle royale over where to sit in the cafeteria.
—Karen D'souza, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2024
The show was an ode to the corporate commute, as models walked a bus turned runway in asymmetrical blazers and deconstructed button-ups.
—Channing Smith, Glamour, 4 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deconstruct.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near deconstruct
Cite this Entry
“Deconstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deconstruct. Accessed 17 May. 2024.
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