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
Walters’s wagers were so successful that one casino hired a pair of mathematicians to deconstruct them.
—Dan Piepenbring, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
For 16 minutes, Kirk deconstructed these and other conspiracy theories, patiently demystifying complex aspects of Judaism such as the Talmud and the biblical Noahide Laws before attempting to explain his fundamental disagreement.
—Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026
By including what the workers have discovered about their clients and deconstructing AI training systems from the inside out, Gourault challenges the opacity of automotive businesses that seek to conceal their association with extractive labor practices.
—Farren Fei Yuan, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
Some of the funding will go toward ensuring the properties are safe to deconstruct and ready for conversion, including housing.
—Sacbee.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deconstruct
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Dan Piepenbring, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
For 16 minutes, Kirk deconstructed these and other conspiracy theories, patiently demystifying complex aspects of Judaism such as the Talmud and the biblical Noahide Laws before attempting to explain his fundamental disagreement.
—Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026
By including what the workers have discovered about their clients and deconstructing AI training systems from the inside out, Gourault challenges the opacity of automotive businesses that seek to conceal their association with extractive labor practices.
—Farren Fei Yuan, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
Some of the funding will go toward ensuring the properties are safe to deconstruct and ready for conversion, including housing.
—Sacbee.com, 29 Jan. 2026
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 Feb. 2026.
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