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Synonyms

restructure

American  
[ree-struhk-cher] / riˈstrʌk tʃər /

verb (used with object)

restructured, restructuring
  1. to change, alter, or restore the structure of.

    to restructure a broken nose.

  2. to effect a fundamental change in (as an organization or system).

  3. to recombine (bits of inexpensive meats), especially by mechanical means, into simulated steaks, fillets, etc.


verb (used without object)

restructured, restructuring
  1. to restructure something.

noun

  1. the act or an instance of restructuring.

restructure British  
/ riːˈstrʌktʃə /

verb

  1. (tr) to organize (a system, business, society, etc) in a different way

    radical attempts to restructure the economy

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of restructure

First recorded in 1940–45; re- + structure

Explanation

When you restructure something, you organize it in a different way so it’ll work better, like a practice schedule a coach restructures to get in more morning sessions before a big game. The verb restructure often refers to a company that is changing the way it operates in order to be more efficient. In many cases, this means laying off employees, closing locations, or working with creditors to change the speed at which debt is repaid. The goal of this kind of restructuring is for the company to stay in business through a rough time in its history.

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Vocabulary lists containing restructure

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The company said it would continue to restructure the business to prepare it for profitability, adding that the current backdrop was more promising.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

In its statement, Spirit said there were "extensive and comprehensive efforts to restructure the business," but the lack of additional funding meant that Spirit "had no choice but to begin this wind-down."

From Barron's • May 2, 2026

He’s looking to restructure the department, focus resources on patrol and line functions and increase the reserve program.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Forced to restructure the film and mix existing footage with reshot scenes, all of those sequences of Michael alongside children now feel eerie and upsetting, even if the film doesn’t touch on the allegations.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

Hoover wanted the new investigation to be a showcase for his bureau, which he had continued to restructure.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

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