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

With their latest directorial outing, Jane Schoenbrun used subtle pieces of nostalgia to deconstruct the slasher genre. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 8 Aug. 2026

Songs were deconstructed and reconstructed each night as the pair hunched over their blinking arrays. — Will Pritchard, Pitchfork, 8 Aug. 2026

Cook says his original plan was to radically deconstruct DIIV’s demos before realizing the band’s live chemistry was the real key to the record. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 6 Aug. 2026

Director Taika Waititi deconstructs the Norse god by putting him through Hel(l) and stripping him of his homeland, his hair, and his hammer. — Ew Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 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