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

Grinys’ teddy-bear demeanor and hulking form provide an interesting juxtaposition informing Rimantas’ internality. —Courtney Howard, Variety, 30 Oct. 2025

The traditionally Portuguese space (blue door, white walls, and azulejos) is the perfect juxtaposition to Marsh’s more contemporary cooking style. —Chadner Navarro, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025

At the end of the day, there’s going to be that juxtaposition of being a failing team, like two in 10 like Florida State last year. —Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2025

The juxtaposition of the two composers — one Baroque, one from the 20th century — allowed for serendipitous dialogue between the contrasting styles. —Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 28 Oct. 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