juxtapose

verb

jux·​ta·​pose ˈjək-stə-ˌpōz How to pronounce juxtapose (audio)
juxtaposed; juxtaposing

transitive verb

: 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 ideasJ. 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Shayk, however, juxtaposed the elegance of the bag with an edgier ensemble, pairing it with a black turtleneck sweater, a leather maxi skirt, knee boots, and sporty shades. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2024 Another political misfire for Lake For Lake, the loss, juxtaposed with Trump’s simultaneous victory in Arizona, is another electoral disappointment for her political career. Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 11 Nov. 2024 When juxtaposed with neutrals, its trace elements of plum pop out without hogging the spotlight. Tim Nelson, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2024 The first-act flashbacks when Kemp realizes his guilt was always a part of the script, creating a Rashomon-like effect when juxtaposed against the court proceedings. Tomris Laffly, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for juxtapose 

Word History

Etymology

probably back-formation from juxtaposition

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of juxtapose was in 1851

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Dictionary Entries Near juxtapose

Cite this Entry

“Juxtapose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juxtapose. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

juxtapose

verb
jux·​ta·​pose ˈjək-stə-ˌpōz How to pronounce juxtapose (audio)
juxtaposed; juxtaposing
: to place side by side
juxtaposition
ˌjək-stə-pə-ˈzish-ən
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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