juxtapose
verb
J. F. T. Bugental
Did you know?
Is juxtapose a back-formation?
Although it doesn’t feature the word juxtapose, a classic segment from a 1969 episode of Sesame Street perfectly illustrates the essence of the verb. In it, the character Bob (as played by actor Bob McGrath) sings the catchy song “One of These Things (Is Not Like the Others)” in front of a display that juxtaposes—that is, places near one another for comparison—four items: an apple, an ice cream cone, a hamburger, and a mitten. The song asks its audience to consider their similarities and differences before deciding which is the most different (spoiler alert: it’s the mitten). The word juxtapose is likely a back-formation of the noun juxtaposition, which appropriately enough combines the Latin adjective juxta meaning “near” with the English word position. The use of juxtapose isn’t limited to tangible objects, however—images, ideas, concepts, and more are frequently juxtaposed.
Examples of juxtapose in a Sentence
Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 12 May 2026
The project and its accompanying two-volume catalogue juxtaposed a wide array of African, Oceanic, and Native American artifacts with artworks from twentieth-century Europe and the US.
—Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 2 May 2026
Create a Modern Rustic Tablescape This Mother's Day tablescape juxtaposes casual textures with delicate elements for modern rustic effect.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026
There was also an appeal about juxtaposing large and small crimes that could play off each other without having to be explained and analyzed outright.
—Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for juxtapose
Cite this Entry
“Juxtapose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juxtapose. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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juxtapose
verb
