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 Nobody Wants This, the juxtaposition between Noah and Joanne's families is stark. —Maggie Kreienberg, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025

Late-night television hosts have seized on the issue, highlighting the juxtaposition between costly renovations and ongoing national issues such as the government shutdown. —Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025

The presentation of the dash and center console is an exercise in juxtaposition, with analog instrument gauges contrasted by an Alpine touchscreen display. —Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2025

The skirt of the gown provided contrast, with a sleek, soft fabric for further juxtaposition. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 17 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