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
Part of that connection stems from Bond himself, who is a much more animated character than Agent 47, who’s conversely a mostly emotionless fixture that’s juxtaposed (to comedic effect) with the outlandish luxury and violence around him.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2025
Teasing and jokes at Trump’s expense was juxtaposed with serious concerns and outrage regarding his administration’s immigration policies.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025
Moses’ blue-gray eye shadow was juxtaposed with a deep red lipstick that matched the color of her nails.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 6 June 2025
Casa Sanlorenzo is designed as a visionary arts center and is an extension of the Sanlorenzo Arts project–a creative incubator where nautical production is juxtaposed with art, design and culture in a sustainable framework.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for juxtapose
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Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2025
Teasing and jokes at Trump’s expense was juxtaposed with serious concerns and outrage regarding his administration’s immigration policies.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025
Moses’ blue-gray eye shadow was juxtaposed with a deep red lipstick that matched the color of her nails.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 6 June 2025
Casa Sanlorenzo is designed as a visionary arts center and is an extension of the Sanlorenzo Arts project–a creative incubator where nautical production is juxtaposed with art, design and culture in a sustainable framework.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 6 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 8 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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