reconstruct

verb

re·​con·​struct ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt How to pronounce reconstruct (audio)
reconstructed; reconstructing; reconstructs
Synonyms of reconstructnext

transitive verb

1
: to construct again: such as
a
: to build or assemble (something) again
reconstruct a damaged chimney
b
medical : to subject (an organ or part) to surgery to re-form its structure or correct a defect
an athlete with a surgically reconstructed shoulder
2
a
: to re-create or reimagine (something from the past) especially by using information acquired through research
reconstructing a lost civilization
The solution is to reconstruct the vocabularies of vanished ancient languages (so-called protolanguages) by comparing vocabularies of modern languages derived from them.Jared Diamond
b
: to create an accurate reenactment or understanding of (a past occurrence or event, such as an accident) by applying scientific principles and techniques to physical evidence
McDaniel hired the firm to reconstruct a fiery collision in Limestone County several years ago in which two young women were killed when their car was engulfed in flames.John Peck
reconstructible adjective
reconstructive adjective
reconstructor noun

Examples of reconstruct in a Sentence

After the earthquake, many houses needed to be reconstructed. Archaeologists were able to reconstruct most of the ancient village from their findings. They are attempting to reconstruct the events that led to the bridge's collapse.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Computational algorithms then synchronize the data afterward, reconstructing a single, coherent image. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Dec. 2025 Outside states are also not eager to reconstruct Gaza. Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2025 Meanwhile, a new project exploring Pompeii uncovered a stone staircase that could reconstruct what the ancient Roman city’s skyline once looked like before a volcanic eruption in AD 79 entombed it in a thick layer of ash. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 Dec. 2025 Now, the eastbound side of the Pennsylvania Turnpike is closed between the Willow Grove and Bensalem exits so crews can reconstruct the crash, state police said. Laura Fay, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reconstruct

Word History

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reconstruct was in 1762

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Cite this Entry

“Reconstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reconstruct. Accessed 26 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

reconstruct

verb
re·​con·​struct ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt How to pronounce reconstruct (audio)
: to construct again : rebuild, remodel

Medical Definition

reconstruct

transitive verb
re·​con·​struct ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt How to pronounce reconstruct (audio)
: to subject (an organ or part) to surgery so as to re-form the structure of or to correct a defect

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