deconstruct

verb

de·​con·​struct ˌdē-kən-ˈstrəkt 

deconstructed; deconstructing; deconstructs

transitive verb

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

3

: 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

4

: destroy, demolish

… a project to deconstruct 5,000 Katrina-damaged homes … and replace them …

—Alex Davidson

deconstructive

ˌdē-kən-ˈstrək-tiv 

adjective

deconstructor

ˌdē-kən-ˈstrək-tər 

noun

Synonyms of deconstruct

• analyze
• dissect
• examine
• assess

Examples of deconstruct in a Sentence

deconstructing the economic theories of John Maynard Keynes

Recent Examples on the Web

However Taparjan valiantly deconstructs her personality by examining her past and unearthing her demons and traumas. —Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026

Juanita Tolliver deconstructs this iconic event, capturing the power and lasting significance of the evening and Chisholm’s presidential run. —Literary Hub, 20 Mar. 2026

Rachel Chavkin directs Abigail and Shaun on a set by Lee Jellinek that deconstructs the house the couple lived in during the pandemic. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 17 Mar. 2026

Black taffeta, deconstructed, with cutouts and layers that fell in a way that felt slightly wrong but also very right. —Jennifer Noyes, Air Mail, 14 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for deconstruct

• aqueduct
• reconstruct
• abduct
• conduct
• construct
• deduct
• destruct
• induct
• instruct
• obstruct
• bucked
• chucked