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
Biological molecules were deconstructed and flattened into a tangled mess of mostly carbon and hydrogen.
—Jeffrey Marlow, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
Given the Obama center’s setting just outside Hyde Park, though, people actually like having some writing to deconstruct.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
An Emmy winner known for The Eric Andre Show, an experimental sketch show deconstructing the public access talk-show format that aired for six seasons on Adult Swim, André is coming off of roles in Disney+’s Ironheart and Netflix’s Happy Gilmore 2.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026
However Taparjan valiantly deconstructs her personality by examining her past and unearthing her demons and traumas.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deconstruct
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Jeffrey Marlow, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
Given the Obama center’s setting just outside Hyde Park, though, people actually like having some writing to deconstruct.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
An Emmy winner known for The Eric Andre Show, an experimental sketch show deconstructing the public access talk-show format that aired for six seasons on Adult Swim, André is coming off of roles in Disney+’s Ironheart and Netflix’s Happy Gilmore 2.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026
However Taparjan valiantly deconstructs her personality by examining her past and unearthing her demons and traumas.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deconstruct
Cite this Entry
“Deconstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deconstruct. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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