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 novel really touches on this idea of memory as a tool to recontextualize objects and history. —Lilyanna D'amato, ARTnews.com, 26 Apr. 2026

That being said, shamans are currently experiencing a moment in Korean pop culture that recontextualizes mu-dang as hip. —Kayti Burt, Time, 24 Apr. 2026

Some music has been recontextualized by the war. —Flora Bigham, ABC News, 19 Apr. 2026

The actress' turn to OnlyFans recontextualizes Elizabeth's partially nude role in the 1999 raunchy teen comedy, as Nadia is recorded via webcam by hapless admirer Jim (Jason Biggs), without her knowledge, in an encounter that spirals into live spectacle. —Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for recontextualize

• contextualize
• industrialize
• materialise
• materialize
• memorialize
• microenterprise
• overemphasize
• particularize
• revolutionise
• revolutionize
• actualize
• antagonize

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