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

That’s where Laddie Coburn struck an odd juxtaposition to the traffic jam on West Agate Avenue. —Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024

This stark juxtaposition of geopolitical tensions and internal OPEC+ dynamics underscores the complex forces at play in the global oil market. —Robert Daugherty, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024

Stylistically, the cover also conveyed his musical approach: concise, funny, building layers of meaning through simple juxtapositions. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2024

Style them with a form-fitting blazer for the perfect juxtaposition of edgy and polished. —Michelle Rostamian, People.com, 28 Sep. 2024

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