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

These pieces are then deconstructed, redesigned, and sold back to the Global North. —Ezreen Benissan, Essence, 7 July 2025

Each image could be unraveled, deconstructed into individual dots—the pixels of an analog age. —Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 3 July 2025

Captain America: Winter Soldier Year: 2014 Runtime: 2h 18m Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo One of the best Marvel movies ever made, the second Captain America flick deconstructed the patriotism of the first movie and the character that gave it a name. —Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 20 June 2025

During that same stretch, most American camper van builders have remained a little too comfortable with closet-like wet bathrooms and deconstructed spaces that break down to stealthy nothingness. —New Atlas, 29 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