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

The result is a book of willful delirium, one that deconstructs its own narrative. —Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025

Han has used centuries of philosophy to deconstruct the current ennui of life online, but Pettman’s writing is more personal and sympathetic than Han’s aphoristic, self-effacing mode. —Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2025

From Ann Demeulemeester’s avant-garde cuts and Sonia Carrasco’s deconstructed tailoring to Casablanca’s bold ’80s silhouettes and Willy Chavarria’s exaggerated proportions, tailoring remains in our DNA. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2025

At the end — Sept 1, at least in the Nevada desert — the city gets deconstructed and wiped from the face of the planet. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 30 Aug. 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