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

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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
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.
Neeson’s serious demeanor juxtaposed with the playful density and bizarre escapades of his crime fighting character make for a uproarious comedy, true to the Zucker Brothers’ original tone. Andrew McGowan, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025 The idea of 24 frames a second, something that is hard to grasp, but in this sequence, in this flow, becomes a seamless moving picture is juxtaposed with with this gas inside of this tube which becomes an eternal glow. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2025 Flacco is an actual statue juxtaposed with Jackson. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Sep. 2025 This album juxtaposes moments of self-reflection with themes of emotional empowerment, chronicling her journey toward healing and the pursuit of new experiences. Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 26 Sep. 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 6 Oct. 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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