deconstruct
verb
de·con·struct
ˌdē-kən-ˈstrəkt 
deconstructed; deconstructing; deconstructs
1
: to examine (something, such as a work of literature) using the methods of deconstruction
2
: to take apart or examine (something) in order to reveal the basis or composition often with the intention of exposing biases, flaws, or inconsistencies
deconstruct the myths of both the left and the right—
Wayne Karlin
Wayne Karlin3
: to adapt or separate the elements of for use in an ironic or radically new way
uses his masterly tailoring skills to deconstruct the classics—Vogue
VogueExamples of deconstruct in a Sentence
deconstructing the economic theories of John Maynard Keynes
Recent Examples on the Web
The Cabin in the Woods' (2012) Name a horror trope and it's referenced in this genre-deconstructing wonder.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
The piece extracts a section of words from a 1935 essay by philosopher Walter Benjamin and deconstructs them into individual letters, which are then rendered in silver mylar balloons.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
JPMorgan Chase’s six-year-long process to deconstruct its headquarters in Midtown Manhattan and build up a new $3 billion skyscraper from its foundation is nearly completed, with Jamie Dimon and other execs taking an active part in its design.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
Then, using an interactive Shark HQ, four of the world’s leading experts deconstruct local encounters to determine why sharks mistake humans for prey.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deconstruct
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Brian Truitt, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
The piece extracts a section of words from a 1935 essay by philosopher Walter Benjamin and deconstructs them into individual letters, which are then rendered in silver mylar balloons.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
JPMorgan Chase’s six-year-long process to deconstruct its headquarters in Midtown Manhattan and build up a new $3 billion skyscraper from its foundation is nearly completed, with Jamie Dimon and other execs taking an active part in its design.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
Then, using an interactive Shark HQ, four of the world’s leading experts deconstruct local encounters to determine why sharks mistake humans for prey.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deconstruct
Cite this Entry
“Deconstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deconstruct. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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