reinterpret

verb

re·​in·​ter·​pret ˌrē-ən-ˈtər-prət How to pronounce reinterpret (audio)
-pət
reinterpreted; reinterpreting; reinterprets

transitive verb

: to interpret again
specifically : to give a new or different interpretation to
reinterpretation
ˌrē-ən-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce reinterpret (audio)
-pə-
noun

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.
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 The capsule reinterprets the Birkenstock Boston silhouette, the brand’s first closed-toe clog, originally introduced in 1976 and celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026 Selena didn’t have the benefit of time; but in the years since her death, her music has been kept alive, replayed, reinterpreted, and remixed, so that new generations continue to celebrate her Tejano roots. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 With its latest folding EDC tool, Titaner has taken that familiar silhouette and reinterpreted it through precision machining and structural geometry. — New Atlas, 3 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

Rhymes for reinterpret

See All Rhymes for reinterpret

Browse Nearby Words

reinter
reinterpret
reinterpretation
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Cite this Entry

“Reinterpret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reinterpret. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reinterpret

verb
re·​in·​ter·​pret ˌrē-ən-ˈtər-prət How to pronounce reinterpret (audio)
: to interpret again
especially : to give a new or different interpretation to
reinterpretation
-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce reinterpret (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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