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
• anatomize
• assay
• break down
• cut
• dissect

Examples of deconstruct in a Sentence

deconstructing the economic theories of John Maynard Keynes

Recent Examples on the Web

Whereas process mining works well for deconstructing larger systems and activities (e.g., invoice processing), task mining gives finance groups insights into how individual employees and teams switch between automated and manual tasks. —Jim Deloach, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025

Instead, the Dodgers deconstructed Fried, recording four consecutive hits to chase the Yankees’ biggest offseason acquisition from the game. —Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 31 May 2025

The capsule features deconstructed tailoring, upcycled denim, hand embroidery and layered textures. —Violet Goldstone, Footwear News, 19 May 2025

First conceived by Coppola in 1983, the film deconstructs Roman history in a modern alternate New York City. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 9 May 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