recontextualize

verb

re·​con·​tex·​tu·​al·​ize ˌrē-kən-ˈteks-chə-wə-ˌlīz 

-chə-ˌlīz

recontextualized; recontextualizing; recontextualizes

transitive verb

: to place (something, such as a literary or artistic work) in a different context

Examples of recontextualize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The episode recontextualizes the Gorn’s terrifying scream. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025

This was a fascinating way to recontextualize many of the lyrics, with her wide-eyed view of the world now sounding like a cool reclamation of youth. —William Earl, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025

Skateboard in hand, Hadid helped recontextualize the sneaker for the 21st century while confirming its timeless allure. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2025

On one side are Peria’s modern-day images; on the other, her father’s archival photos—each one scratched, sculpted, and recontextualized into new meaning. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for recontextualize

• operationalize
• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize

Kids Definition

recontextualize

verb

re·​con·​tex·​tu·​al·​ize

ˌrē-kən-ˈteks-chə-wə-ˌlīz,

-chə-ˌlīz

: to place (something, as a literary or artistic work) in a different context

recontextualizing the story