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.
Nussmeier was denied at Denton Ryan and transferred to Louisiana’s Archbishop Rummel, while Meredith was denied at North Crowley and reclassified to enroll early at Texas. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Aug. 2026 So after his sophomore season, Boobie reclassified from the Class of 2027, in which he was recognized as a top-five prospect in the nation, to 2026. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026 State Bill 720 made the program possible by reclassifying red light violations as civil infractions and adding privacy safeguards that bar photographing drivers and using facial recognition. — Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026 In fact, reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug would be a self-own for the Republican Party in 2026. — Bob Woods, CNBC, 15 Aug. 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 26 Aug. 2026.

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