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

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

Beer’s work tracks a Westerner’s aesthetic journey into an ancient spiritual culture that Sherpa works joyfully to recontextualize in the present day. —Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 24 May 2023

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