juxtapose
verb
jux·ta·pose
ˈjək-stə-ˌpōz 
juxtaposed; juxtaposing
: to place (different things) side by side (as to compare them or contrast them or to create an interesting effect)
juxtapose unexpected combinations of colors, shapes and ideas—
J. F. T. Bugental
J. F. T. Bugental
Did you know?
Is juxtapose a back-formation?
A back-formation is a word that has come about through the removal of a prefix or a suffix from a longer word. Etymologists believe juxtapose is a back-formation that was created when people trimmed down the noun juxtaposition. Historical evidence supports the idea: juxtaposition shows up in the 17th century and juxtapose in the 19th. Juxtaposition is a combination of Latin juxta, meaning "near," and English "position."
Examples of juxtapose in a Sentence
a display that juxtaposes modern art with classical art
Recent Examples on the Web
The marble and crystal textures are juxtaposed with leopard and plaid prints for a creative take on classic interiors.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2025
Supermodel Anok Yai attended in a jet black pixie cut, which juxtaposed her light nude lip and manicure.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 3 Mar. 2025
The second drop of the limited-edition Ramadan collection follows the tone set by the first drop, featuring cool beige tones juxtaposed by contrasting monochromatic black and white pieces.
—Julia Teti, WWD, 18 Feb. 2025
In a tower of Brussels’ World Trade Center, the contemporary, steel-and-glass exterior is juxtaposed by the vibey, colorful interior.
—Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for juxtapose
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Elise Taylor, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2025
Supermodel Anok Yai attended in a jet black pixie cut, which juxtaposed her light nude lip and manicure.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 3 Mar. 2025
The second drop of the limited-edition Ramadan collection follows the tone set by the first drop, featuring cool beige tones juxtaposed by contrasting monochromatic black and white pieces.
—Julia Teti, WWD, 18 Feb. 2025
In a tower of Brussels’ World Trade Center, the contemporary, steel-and-glass exterior is juxtaposed by the vibey, colorful interior.
—Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for juxtapose
Cite this Entry
“Juxtapose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juxtapose. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
juxtapose
verb
jux·ta·pose
ˈjək-stə-ˌpōz
juxtaposed; juxtaposing
: to place side by side
juxtaposition
noun
ˌjək-stə-pə-ˈzish-ən
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