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
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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
This, juxtaposed with the decline in basic math, reading and critical thinking skills, should be enough to give college admissions officers and hiring managers pause.
—Bonnie Kleffman, Austin American-Statesman, 6 Dec. 2024
Shot on location between Paris and Hangzhou, the film blends past and present, fantasy and reality, juxtaposing the natural backdrop with symbols of modern life, from laptop screens to cameras.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 29 Nov. 2024
The offensive strength of early opponents such as the Lions, Cardinals and 49ers juxtaposed with some of their later opponents are a factor in the Rams’ improved defensive statistics.
—Jourdan Rodrigue, The Athletic, 22 Nov. 2024
His zeal seemed even stranger when juxtaposed with a sensible approach to my own infirmities.
—Kayla Aletha Welch, Longreads, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for juxtapose 
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Bonnie Kleffman, Austin American-Statesman, 6 Dec. 2024
Shot on location between Paris and Hangzhou, the film blends past and present, fantasy and reality, juxtaposing the natural backdrop with symbols of modern life, from laptop screens to cameras.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 29 Nov. 2024
The offensive strength of early opponents such as the Lions, Cardinals and 49ers juxtaposed with some of their later opponents are a factor in the Rams’ improved defensive statistics.
—Jourdan Rodrigue, The Athletic, 22 Nov. 2024
His zeal seemed even stranger when juxtaposed with a sensible approach to my own infirmities.
—Kayla Aletha Welch, Longreads, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for juxtapose
Dictionary Entries Near juxtapose
Cite this Entry
“Juxtapose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juxtapose. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
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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