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

The drop-waist skirt of the floor-length dress featured a bevy of feathery adornments, adding textural juxtaposition as well as a 1920s vibe to the garment. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025

One of the most identifiable sneakers on the roster, the 574 premiered in 1988 as a hybrid road and trail sneaker designed with a wider last, in juxtaposition to the slimmer, runner styles of the 1970s. —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2025

The juxtaposition of these species in an unexpected interaction raises compelling ecological questions. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2025

Revolutionaries often quoted Cato, which was performed regularly in the Colonies, and the juxtaposition of liberty and death seems to have permeated American culture. —Cassandra Good, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 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