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
Inspired by musical festival culture, his design practice is rooted in the expression of haute couture craftsmanship by constructing rich visual narratives and deconstructed techniques with surreal and absurdity coexisting.
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
Teams such as the Suns spent their way into the apron with an incomplete team and had to deconstruct themselves to get out of the restraints.
—Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026
Walters’s wagers were so successful that one casino hired a pair of mathematicians to deconstruct them.
—Dan Piepenbring, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
For 16 minutes, Kirk deconstructed these and other conspiracy theories, patiently demystifying complex aspects of Judaism such as the Talmud and the biblical Noahide Laws before attempting to explain his fundamental disagreement.
—Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026
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Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
Teams such as the Suns spent their way into the apron with an incomplete team and had to deconstruct themselves to get out of the restraints.
—Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026
Walters’s wagers were so successful that one casino hired a pair of mathematicians to deconstruct them.
—Dan Piepenbring, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
For 16 minutes, Kirk deconstructed these and other conspiracy theories, patiently demystifying complex aspects of Judaism such as the Talmud and the biblical Noahide Laws before attempting to explain his fundamental disagreement.
—Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deconstruct
Cite this Entry
“Deconstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deconstruct. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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