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 posts include archival images going as far back as the 1930s, juxtaposing photos of a city block or building with some from the current day, illustrating just how much things change.
—Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2025
The angular silhouette of the jacket, juxtaposed with the more fluid pants, reflected an assured sense of corporate power.
—Fernanda Pérez Sánchez, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2025
Related Articles Zellweger’s gown featured a high slit on one side of her skirt, which was juxtaposed by her one long sleeve.
—Julia Teti, WWD, 28 Jan. 2025
At the Gucci, Chloé, and Dries van Noten shows, the flowy, colorful fabrics in the collection were juxtaposed with sculptural metallic bangle bracelets stacked on the models' wrists.
—Ana Colon, refinery29.com, 27 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for juxtapose
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Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2025
The angular silhouette of the jacket, juxtaposed with the more fluid pants, reflected an assured sense of corporate power.
—Fernanda Pérez Sánchez, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2025
Related Articles Zellweger’s gown featured a high slit on one side of her skirt, which was juxtaposed by her one long sleeve.
—Julia Teti, WWD, 28 Jan. 2025
At the Gucci, Chloé, and Dries van Noten shows, the flowy, colorful fabrics in the collection were juxtaposed with sculptural metallic bangle bracelets stacked on the models' wrists.
—Ana Colon, refinery29.com, 27 Jan. 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 9 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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