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.
In an update released Friday, the sheriff's office confirmed the case has been reclassified but said no arrests have been made. — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026 New York aims to legally reclassify these operations as gambling, which would drastically increase Kalshi's tax obligations and significantly impact its profitability. — Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 He was viewed as the top player in the 2028 class before reclassifying. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 The Grammy for traditional folk had been dumped and reclassified because submissions to the category declined, said Jennifer Roe, executive director of Folk Alliance International in Kansas City. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 30 July 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

See All Rhymes for reclassify

Browse Nearby Words

reclassification
reclassify
reclean
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reclassify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reclassify. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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