deconstruct
verb
de·con·struct
ˌdē-kən-ˈstrəkt 
deconstructed; deconstructing; deconstructs
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
Wayne Karlin3
: 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
VogueExamples of deconstruct in a Sentence
deconstructing the economic theories of John Maynard Keynes
Recent Examples on the Web
The 32-year-old French singer-producer Marylou Vanina Mayniel deconstructs trance music as if with a jeweler’s chisel, making delicate dioramas that call to mind ruins covered in snow.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2025
When the deer head is deconstructed, Wilson said everything waits in place.
—Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 10 Dec. 2025
Decision to demolish The decision to deconstruct the gates was driven by several factors, including the high price tags to either relocate or maintain the structures.
—Mars King, Twin Cities, 5 Dec. 2025
Hval’s restless melodies and at-times Proustian lyrics trail cigarette smoke or the fragrance of roses toward litanies of memory, all the while deconstructing the very natures of stage performance, recording technology, and digital existence.
—Jenn Pelly, Time, 4 Dec. 2025
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Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2025
When the deer head is deconstructed, Wilson said everything waits in place.
—Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 10 Dec. 2025
Decision to demolish The decision to deconstruct the gates was driven by several factors, including the high price tags to either relocate or maintain the structures.
—Mars King, Twin Cities, 5 Dec. 2025
Hval’s restless melodies and at-times Proustian lyrics trail cigarette smoke or the fragrance of roses toward litanies of memory, all the while deconstructing the very natures of stage performance, recording technology, and digital existence.
—Jenn Pelly, Time, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deconstruct
Cite this Entry
“Deconstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deconstruct. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.
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