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

The juxtaposition of the two worlds, one of which had been grazing horses in this area of the steppe for millennia, the other of which had, in a moment of daring and gamesmanship, started launching people into the cosmos with rockets meant to annihilate humanity, filled McConnell with wonder. —Keith Gessen, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2024

What’s new here is perhaps the juxtaposition of these particular stories, underscoring the importance of exploration to the history of this country. —The Know, The Denver Post, 1 Sep. 2024

Here, a juxtaposition of volume and depth mirrors May’s first rule of ranch design where, ground-hugging silhouettes lend to a divine cohesiveness with the surrounding landscape. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 13 Aug. 2024

Style yours with a structured pair of pants to add an element of dressy juxtaposition. —Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 2 July 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