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
Those are just a few of dozens of executive orders that seek to deconstruct the government.
—Joseph P. Tomain, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2025
The bride's friend, Bex, deconstructed her own wedding dress for her first look before switching into a vintage '60s mint-blue taffeta dress that was gifted to her by her mother-in-law, accessorized by a lampshade headpiece that lit up.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 21 Feb. 2025
But then Burr flips the script, and begins to deconstruct his own anger, his own inability to communicate and deal with his emotions.
—Will Digravio, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025
Trading a runway show for a poignant performance staged at Fondazione Sozzani, the designer paid tribute to his grandparents, imbuing a sense of familiarity and nostalgia in humble, everyday clothes, with cozy knitwear and deconstructed suits with raw-cuts taking the spotlight.
—Sandra Salibian, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deconstruct
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Joseph P. Tomain, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2025
The bride's friend, Bex, deconstructed her own wedding dress for her first look before switching into a vintage '60s mint-blue taffeta dress that was gifted to her by her mother-in-law, accessorized by a lampshade headpiece that lit up.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 21 Feb. 2025
But then Burr flips the script, and begins to deconstruct his own anger, his own inability to communicate and deal with his emotions.
—Will Digravio, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025
Trading a runway show for a poignant performance staged at Fondazione Sozzani, the designer paid tribute to his grandparents, imbuing a sense of familiarity and nostalgia in humble, everyday clothes, with cozy knitwear and deconstructed suits with raw-cuts taking the spotlight.
—Sandra Salibian, WWD, 21 Jan. 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 Mar. 2025.
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