deconstruct

verb

de·​con·​struct ˌdē-kən-ˈstrəkt How to pronounce deconstruct (audio)
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 rightWayne 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 classicsVogue
4
: destroy, demolish
nations that are deconstructing themselvesJim Hoagland
deconstructive adjective
deconstructor noun

Examples of deconstruct in a Sentence

deconstructing the economic theories of John Maynard Keynes
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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 See All Example Sentences for deconstruct

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deconstruct was in 1973

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deconstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deconstruct. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on deconstruct

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!