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
The director’s concern is juxtaposed with another scene that finds an executive interrupting a fan telling Charli that her music saved his life.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 Dec. 2025
Geometric lines and shapes of black juxtaposed the sheer elements of the dress on the bodice and skirt.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 10 Dec. 2025
Those juxtaposing character traits were oftentimes the only way to differentiate between the gentle dreamer Bette and stern, controlling Dot.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2025
That image became sort of juxtaposed in my head with footage seen of ICE officers in balaclavas rounding up people in Chicago.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for juxtapose
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Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 Dec. 2025
Geometric lines and shapes of black juxtaposed the sheer elements of the dress on the bodice and skirt.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 10 Dec. 2025
Those juxtaposing character traits were oftentimes the only way to differentiate between the gentle dreamer Bette and stern, controlling Dot.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2025
That image became sort of juxtaposed in my head with footage seen of ICE officers in balaclavas rounding up people in Chicago.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 3 Dec. 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 17 Dec. 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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