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 top was, however, juxtaposed by gray, tapered trousers, providing the overall look contrast and tension.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025
But the film's authenticity is also underscored by the background sounds of televisions and radios broadcasting information about the Vietnam War, juxtaposing the beauty of everyday life against the political landscape of the time.
—Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 17 Oct. 2025
Advertisement Much like Anderson does, Aster also juxtaposes the ineptitude of his white protagonist with an adept person of color.
—Robert Daniels, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
In a stunning, unsentimental portrait of a young poet’s rural childhood, familial hardship and resilience are juxtaposed against the artistic awakening of a growing mind.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2025
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Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025
But the film's authenticity is also underscored by the background sounds of televisions and radios broadcasting information about the Vietnam War, juxtaposing the beauty of everyday life against the political landscape of the time.
—Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 17 Oct. 2025
Advertisement Much like Anderson does, Aster also juxtaposes the ineptitude of his white protagonist with an adept person of color.
—Robert Daniels, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
In a stunning, unsentimental portrait of a young poet’s rural childhood, familial hardship and resilience are juxtaposed against the artistic awakening of a growing mind.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 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 25 Oct. 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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