juxtapose
verb
jux·ta·pose
ˈjək-stə-ˌpōz 
juxtaposed; juxtaposing
: 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
J. F. T. Bugental
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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
The casual, sleeveless top is juxtaposed with a fishtail-style midi skirt, adding an air of elegance to the stretchy set.
—Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2025
Those pictures are juxtaposed by a current picture of a frail-looking Laurent who is missing teeth due to frequent vomiting.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 2 July 2025
Yet within the executive ranks of intercollegiate athletics, Seeley and the CSC hold a uniquely opaque position when juxtaposed against NCAA officials, athletic directors and conference commissioners, all of whose take-home pay is made public in one form or another.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 2 July 2025
The ultra-feminine piece was juxtaposed with Rodrigo’s favorite fishnet tights and, of course, the knee-high boots.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for juxtapose
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Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2025
Those pictures are juxtaposed by a current picture of a frail-looking Laurent who is missing teeth due to frequent vomiting.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 2 July 2025
Yet within the executive ranks of intercollegiate athletics, Seeley and the CSC hold a uniquely opaque position when juxtaposed against NCAA officials, athletic directors and conference commissioners, all of whose take-home pay is made public in one form or another.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 2 July 2025
The ultra-feminine piece was juxtaposed with Rodrigo’s favorite fishnet tights and, of course, the knee-high boots.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for juxtapose
Cite this Entry
“Juxtapose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juxtapose. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
juxtapose
verb
jux·ta·pose
ˈjək-stə-ˌpōz
juxtaposed; juxtaposing
: to place side by side
juxtaposition
noun
ˌjək-stə-pə-ˈzish-ən
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