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

Meanwhile, the special logo for the themed night was a design by New Zealand artist Alana Tsui inspired by deconstructed sneaker parts and created with her signature line work, with empowering words and phrases woven in. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026

From there, Badu took a collection of Alchemist instrumentals and deconstructed them, reshaping his warm, punchy samples with everything from kalimba to layered chords and drums. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 14 Aug. 2026

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

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