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 recipe came from the late chef Michael Roberts, who was known for his playful juxtaposition of ingredients — quesadillas with Brie and grapes, for instance — served at his West Hollywood restaurant Trumps. —Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2025

Yes, the juxtaposition of a more modern, dressed up midiskirt styled casually with a trendy trainer is the outfit formula on the hearts, minds, and shopping carts of the industry’s elite right now. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2025

As he's been doing in concert for years, Manilow emerged from the shadows for the second verse of the song, a nostalgic juxtaposition of his younger and older selves singing the same song. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025

The juxtaposition between what was happening at a political level and what was happening at a grassroots level felt to me, as a former journalist, very interesting. —Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Jan. 2025

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