juxtapose

verb

jux·​ta·​pose ˈjək-stə-ˌpōz How to pronounce juxtapose (audio)
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 ideasJ. 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
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.
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

Word History

Etymology

probably back-formation from juxtaposition

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of juxtapose was in 1851

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Cite this Entry

“Juxtapose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juxtapose. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

juxtapose

verb
jux·​ta·​pose ˈjək-stə-ˌpōz How to pronounce juxtapose (audio)
juxtaposed; juxtaposing
: to place side by side
juxtaposition
ˌjək-stə-pə-ˈzish-ən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on juxtapose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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