reclassify

verb

re·​clas·​si·​fy (ˌ)rē-ˈkla-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce reclassify (audio)
reclassified; reclassifying; reclassifies
Synonyms of reclassifynext

transitive verb

: to move from one class, classification, or category to another : to classify again
… in the 1980s, amphetamines were reclassified as controlled substances, which restricted their availability.—Stephen Rae
reclassify the product to boost sales

Examples of reclassify in a Sentence

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.
With further study, and by studying more examples, scientists learn more and update their understanding of the thing, sometimes reclassifying it. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 1 July 2026 Jared Grindlinger, a pitcher and outfielder from Huntington Beach, is 17 and a certain first-round draft pick after reclassifying to be taken next month. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 The small dog, which the USDA initially reported as a Texas case, lives in New Mexico and was reclassified as the first in that state. — Jeffrey Collins, Fortune, 9 June 2026 In April, Kennedy reclassified 12 peptides as Category 1 substances, the first step toward adding them to a list of substances that compounding pharmacies can make. — Aria Bendix, NBC news, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reclassify

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reclassify was in 1837

Rhymes for reclassify

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Browse Nearby Words

reclassification
reclassify
reclean
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Cite this Entry

“Reclassify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reclassify. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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