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
In a tower of Brussels’ World Trade Center, the contemporary, steel-and-glass exterior is juxtaposed by the vibey, colorful interior.
—Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2025
Authorities said that the gruesome scene was juxtaposed with crimson rose petals strewn throughout the crime site.
—Julia Bonavita, Fox News, 1 Mar. 2025
Its fabric, woven through the vinyl web, has the texture of a boucle textile, which is juxtaposed with the wool-and-silk-blend drapery panels.
—Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
Then, model Alva Claire attended the BAFTAs in a wispy updo which juxtaposed her curved, pencil-thin brows and blue winged liner.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for juxtapose
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Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2025
Authorities said that the gruesome scene was juxtaposed with crimson rose petals strewn throughout the crime site.
—Julia Bonavita, Fox News, 1 Mar. 2025
Its fabric, woven through the vinyl web, has the texture of a boucle textile, which is juxtaposed with the wool-and-silk-blend drapery panels.
—Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
Then, model Alva Claire attended the BAFTAs in a wispy updo which juxtaposed her curved, pencil-thin brows and blue winged liner.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 24 Feb. 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 12 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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