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

This juxtaposition invites viewers to reexamine surrealism through the contributions of women like Tanning, as well as Leonora Carrington and perhaps Remedios Varo. —Sally Jane Brown, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2025

The juxtaposition with the early Italian modern art created an aesthetic heaven. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025

Thrown over a slip dress or styled with denim, a blazer, like this plaid number, is a chic juxtaposition that adds an effortless Italian poise. —Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025

The palette of whites, greys, and blacks maintain a cohesive color scheme, while there is no juxtaposition between interior and exterior. —Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 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