juxtapose

verb

jux·​ta·​pose ˈjək-stə-ˌpōz 

juxtaposed; juxtaposing

transitive verb

: to place (different things) side by side (as to compare them or contrast them or to create an interesting effect)

… juxtapose unexpected combinations of colors, shapes and ideas …

—J. F. T. Bugental

Did you know?

Is juxtapose a back-formation?

A back-formation is a word that has come about through the removal of a prefix or a suffix from a longer word. Etymologists believe juxtapose is a back-formation that was created when people trimmed down the noun juxtaposition. Historical evidence supports the idea: juxtaposition shows up in the 17th century and juxtapose in the 19th.  Juxtaposition is a combination of Latin juxta, meaning "near," and English "position."

Examples of juxtapose in a Sentence

a display that juxtaposes modern art with classical art

Recent Examples on the Web

Old works are juxtaposed next to modern oeuvres culled from other museums and the Guimet’s own collection. —Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 20 Mar. 2026

The baggy shape juxtaposes the shoes’ sexy sharpness without completely overpowering an outfit. —India Roby, Glamour, 20 Mar. 2026

Natural materials, like unpolished wood and linen, are juxtaposed with sleek, modern furnishings. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Mar. 2026

The event — which juxtaposed the glamorous Housewives against suit-and-tie-clad lawmakers — was also attended by April McClain Delaney and Cory Booker. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably back-formation from juxtaposition

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for juxtapose

• agarose
• aliquots
• amigos
• anthracnose
• bottlenose
• buffaloes
• bungalows
• calicoes
• cameos
• commandos
• conversos
• decompose

Kids Definition

juxtapose

verb

jux·​ta·​pose ˈjək-stə-ˌpōz 

juxtaposed; juxtaposing

: to place side by side

juxtaposition

ˌjək-stə-pə-ˈzish-ən

noun