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

nations that are deconstructing themselves

—Jim Hoagland

deconstructive

ˌdē-kən-ˈstrək-tiv 

adjective

deconstructor

ˌdē-kən-ˈstrək-tər 

noun

Synonyms

• analyze
• dissect
• examine
• assess

Examples of deconstruct in a Sentence

deconstructing the economic theories of John Maynard Keynes

Recent Examples on the Web

This deconstructed upside down cake improved on the classic Dole Whip with a moist and crunchy chunk of cinnamony cake and even more pineapple flavor. —Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 16 July 2025

This brand will need to be deconstructed a bit through education and amplification to reach the broader audience that IBM is aiming for. —Patrick Moorhead, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

Players often need a screwdriver to deconstruct the case and specialized tools to make removing keycaps and switches easier. —Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 31 May 2025

These pieces are then deconstructed, redesigned, and sold back to the Global North. —Ezreen Benissan, Essence, 7 July 2025

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