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
The juxtaposition of Holly's career with the content of her podcast might leave audience members scratching their heads.—
Nick Kasmik
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
Justin Davidson Examples of juxtaposition in a Sentence
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As is usually the case with Cattelan’s pieces, the toilet is full of juxtapositions in its form and material—something that shines a bright light on the art market as a whole.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2025
What’s the significance of the differences and that juxtaposition?
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 3 Nov. 2025
The image of the delicate pink suit splattered with blood is one of the most haunting juxtapositions in modern history.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2025
This juxtaposition is seen on the collaboration, with the left shoe donning a white leather base and using precise, high-resolution imagery.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for juxtaposition
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Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2025
What’s the significance of the differences and that juxtaposition?
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 3 Nov. 2025
The image of the delicate pink suit splattered with blood is one of the most haunting juxtapositions in modern history.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2025
This juxtaposition is seen on the collaboration, with the left shoe donning a white leather base and using precise, high-resolution imagery.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for juxtaposition
Cite this Entry
“Juxtaposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juxtaposition. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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