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
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
Such images may infer that the director is deconstructing his work in one medium with another, but there was nothing so intentional on his mind.
—Bob Strauss, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Moreover, his impulse in this production is far more post-modern, so to speak, evident of a desire to deconstruct Wilde’s famous story and its place in 20th century literature and, with Snook’s help, scramble everything.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deconstruct
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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
Such images may infer that the director is deconstructing his work in one medium with another, but there was nothing so intentional on his mind.
—Bob Strauss, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Moreover, his impulse in this production is far more post-modern, so to speak, evident of a desire to deconstruct Wilde’s famous story and its place in 20th century literature and, with Snook’s help, scramble everything.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 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 2 May. 2025.
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