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
Psychological inoculation uses a vaccine analogy where exposing people to a weakened dose of the techniques used to produce falsehoods—and deconstructing and refuting them in advance—can help cultivate greater cognitive immunity to future misinformation.
—Sander Van Der Linden, Time, 6 May 2025
Diplomacy deconstructed The initial weeks of Trump's second term have seen no shortage of turmoil in Washington, and the president's aims of shrinking the federal government and ramping up efficiency have resulted in significant cuts to diplomatic structures.
—Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2025
This activity encourages teams to deconstruct an existing AI tool, map the user journey, identify friction points and redesign it for fairness, usability and transparency.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
If the fundamental project was to deconstruct Joe’s self-mythologizing, there should’ve been a whole episode forcing him to confront his own monstrosity.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deconstruct
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Sander Van Der Linden, Time, 6 May 2025
Diplomacy deconstructed The initial weeks of Trump's second term have seen no shortage of turmoil in Washington, and the president's aims of shrinking the federal government and ramping up efficiency have resulted in significant cuts to diplomatic structures.
—Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2025
This activity encourages teams to deconstruct an existing AI tool, map the user journey, identify friction points and redesign it for fairness, usability and transparency.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
If the fundamental project was to deconstruct Joe’s self-mythologizing, there should’ve been a whole episode forcing him to confront his own monstrosity.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 25 Apr. 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 23 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share