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

For an even more immersive way to take in the historic site, one of my favorite New York City experiences ever is the Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour of the former hospital complex where artwork by JR provides a dramatic and thought-inducing juxtaposition to the ruins. —Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2024

Listen to this article NEW YORK — The juxtaposition couldn’t have been more poignant. —Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2024

Burton remains the perfect conduit for this journey – a wise sage whose salt-and-pepper hair is the visualization of a beautiful juxtaposition. —Ken Makin, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 May 2024

The combination of modern and older inspirations creates an interesting juxtaposition to your looks. —Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 21 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin juxta near + English position — more at joust

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined above

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