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

The line debuted on models during Prada’s spring 2024 show in Milan, where glossy eyelids juxtaposed with matte, lived-in lips for an attainable take on an editorial look. —Claire Sullivan, WWD, 12 July 2024

Maison Margiela did precisely that with Coffee Break, a unique blend of warm coffee and milk mousse accord juxtaposed with fresh spearmint and lavender notes. —Karina Hoshikawa, refinery29.com, 2 July 2024

The song’s rancorous lyrics, juxtaposed with a dancey tempo, don’t shy away from the ugly side of a relationship: feelings of longing and spite. —Vogue, 2 July 2024

Rich eucalyptus, Macassar ebony, and Tanganyika veneers play against sleek onyx and marble, while warm ochre leather juxtaposes with shiny brass and chrome details. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 1 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably back-formation from juxtaposition

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

juxtapose

verb

jux·​ta·​pose ˈjək-stə-ˌpōz 

juxtaposed; juxtaposing

: to place side by side

juxtaposition

ˌjək-stə-pə-ˈzish-ən

noun