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
For instance, at one point, Ratner juxtaposes footage of workers removing the Biden family's personal effects from the White House on Inauguration Day with Melania putting her hat on.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Mixing and juxtaposing voices, lingos, and tones, [Dylan] traces the decline of America over the trajectory of his own lifetime through the kaleidoscope of the Kennedy assassination.
—Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
Pieces made of wrought iron also make for great additions, and can be juxtaposed with warm, welcoming, and layered interiors for a subtle statement.
—Hannah Coates, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026
Its slouchy silhouette juxtaposed with the glitzy detailing delivers an effortlessly cool effect.
—Jordan Julian, InStyle, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for juxtapose
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Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Mixing and juxtaposing voices, lingos, and tones, [Dylan] traces the decline of America over the trajectory of his own lifetime through the kaleidoscope of the Kennedy assassination.
—Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
Pieces made of wrought iron also make for great additions, and can be juxtaposed with warm, welcoming, and layered interiors for a subtle statement.
—Hannah Coates, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026
Its slouchy silhouette juxtaposed with the glitzy detailing delivers an effortlessly cool effect.
—Jordan Julian, InStyle, 28 Jan. 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 4 Feb. 2026.
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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