juxtaposition

noun

jux·​ta·​po·​si·​tion ˌjək-stə-pə-ˈzi-shən How to pronounce juxtaposition (audio)
Synonyms of juxtapositionnext
: 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
The juxtaposition of Holly's career with the content of her podcast might leave audience members scratching their heads.Nick Kasmik
also : the state of being so placed
contrasting shapes placed in juxtaposition to each other
A five-minute ferry ride from Brooklyn and Manhattan, [Governor's Island] feels distant yet impossibly close, and the juxtaposition of vertical city and languorous landscape is almost surreal. Justin Davidson
juxtapositional adjective

Examples of juxtaposition in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bemelmans and Melody’s Piano Bar are great options for date night, and a classic is JG Melon—perhaps the antithesis to Caviar Kaspia, but an essential juxtaposition— which takes only cash, and serves its inimitable martini up with baskets of to-die-for burgers and fries. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026 This juxtaposition of the transactional with the transcendent is one of the greatest strengths of Stevens’ script and this production. Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026 Bedlam’s approach releases all sorts of unusual and exhilarating juxtapositions in the text. Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 21 May 2026 Dern’s life has seen an incredible juxtaposition between privilege and hardship. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for juxtaposition

Word History

Etymology

Latin juxta near + English position — more at joust

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of juxtaposition was in 1654

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Juxtaposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juxtaposition. Accessed 31 May. 2026.

Medical Definition

juxtaposition

noun
jux·​ta·​po·​si·​tion ˌjək-stə-pə-ˈzish-ən How to pronounce juxtaposition (audio)
: the act or an instance of placing two or more things side by side
also : the state of being so placed
juxtapose transitive verb
juxtaposed; juxtaposing

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