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 In juxtaposition, the softness of the skirt flowed behind her into a train. —

Genevieve Cepeda, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023 Cabinets were studies in juxtaposition, and the exhibition operates on the same principle. —

Anne Wallentine, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Nov. 2023 While the pre-fall 2023 suit was also styled with metallic gold shoes on the runway, swapping a boot for a summery sandal creates a dynamic juxtaposition with Theron’s wintery suit, and gives a lighthearted twist on an outfit that could’ve walked straight off the runway as is. —

Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2023 For centrists in the CDU, that verbal juxtaposition of their party with the radical right is chilling. —

Liana Fix, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2023 This juxtaposition creates an unexpected, calming oasis within the hustle and bustle of the big city. —

Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2023 The juxtaposition of two articles can best be described as comically horrifying. —

WSJ, 30 Oct. 2023 The juxtaposition of the two developments still comes with a sense of foreboding. —

Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Oct. 2023 In typical trap fashion, which revels in the pleasures of excess, the Puerto Rican trap star manages to maneuver the juxtaposition of raunch, vulnerability and desire across a dozen tracks. —

Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 27 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'juxtaposition.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.