juxtaposition

noun

jux·​ta·​po·​si·​tion ˌjək-stə-pə-ˈzi-shən 

: the act or an instance of placing two or more things side by side often to compare or contrast or to create an interesting effect

an unusual juxtaposition of colors

also : the state of being so placed

contrasting shapes placed in juxtaposition to each other

juxtapositional

ˌjək-stə-pə-ˈzi-sh(ə-)nəl

 

adjective

Examples of juxtaposition in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That juxtaposition of casual form with refined technique is at the heart of the trend. —Unilever Food Solutions Contributor, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

Watching the Rockies lightbulb flicker, the juxtaposition with the Nuggets remains striking. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2025

The gap between text and technology is one of yawning inadequacy, and the juxtaposition has a dark humor. —Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2025

Bomer is good when Jerry the ding-dong must navigate a moment of real sentiment or complication; the juxtaposition is effective. —Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin juxta near + English position — more at joust

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for juxtaposition

• academician
• cycloaddition
• decomposition
• diagnostician
• disinhibition
• indisposition
• interposition
• mathematician
• metacognition
• metaphysician
• neurotransmission
• nonrecognition

Medical Definition

juxtaposition

noun

jux·​ta·​po·​si·​tion ˌjək-stə-pə-ˈzish-ən 

: the act or an instance of placing two or more things side by side

also : the state of being so placed

juxtapose

ˈjək-stə-ˌpōz 

transitive verb

juxtaposed; juxtaposing