reinterpret

verb

reinterpreted; reinterpreting; reinterprets

transitive verb

: to interpret again
specifically : to give a new or different interpretation to

Examples of reinterpret in a Sentence

New information may force us to reinterpret the evidence. The director wants to reinterpret the old play for a modern audience.
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.
Knowledge is passed down through generations, combined with an incredible ability to constantly reinterpret tradition. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026 There are a lot of entry points to it and there's almost a theatrical tradition to it where people keep reinterpreting and re-imagining her story. — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026 The rule has persisted through tradition, but even so, there are plenty of people who have reinterpreted this old-fashioned standard to wear white all year long. — Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2026 The United States should thus push everyone to reinterpret the benefit-sharing provisions in a more generous manner. — Anna Nelson, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reinterpret

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reinterpret was in 1611

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reinterpret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reinterpret. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

reinterpret

verb
: to interpret again
especially : to give a new or different interpretation to
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!