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 initiatives highlights the federal government’s inconsistent approach to marijuana policy. —Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2025

Kristi Noem's $50k watch against harsh prison setting draws criticism The juxtaposition of Noem's luxury accessory and her setting was noted by critics and human rights groups. —Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025

Longstreth’s songwriting played on sharp juxtaposition and counterpoint. —Anna Wiener, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025

There was the juxtaposition of hard-working Maddie Fitzpatrick (Ashley Tisdale) and ditzy hotel heiress London Tipton (Brenda Song). —Skyler Trepel, EW.com, 18 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin juxta near + English position — more at joust

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for juxtaposition

• academician
• cycloaddition
• decomposition
• diagnostician
• disinhibition
• indisposition
• interposition
• mathematician
• metacognition
• metaphysician
• neurotransmission
• nonrecognition

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