juxtaposition

noun

jux·​ta·​po·​si·​tion ˌjək-stə-pə-ˈzi-shən How to pronounce juxtaposition (audio)
: 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
 How to pronounce juxtaposition (audio)
adjective

Examples of juxtaposition in a Sentence

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.
The juxtaposition of 2025 to 2000 belies the occasional peaks and longer stretches in the valley that the franchise has experienced in that time. Tim Britton, New York Times, 30 May 2025 Scott Formby embraced the nature of a century-old house for a couple that prizes beautiful juxtapositions By John OrtvedPhotography by Jenna PeffleyStyled by Lisa Rowe May 28, 2025 All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. John Ortved, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2025 Their juxtaposition has become a kind of composition: The poem has become a kind of prose. Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 6 May 2025 While tariffs, inflation and recession overwhelm headlines, there is even more need to counter-program even if this is a seemingly absurd juxtaposition. Beth Ann Kaminkow, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for juxtaposition

Word History

Etymology

Latin juxta near + English position — more at joust

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of juxtaposition was in 1654

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Juxtaposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juxtaposition. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

juxtaposition

noun
jux·​ta·​po·​si·​tion ˌjək-stə-pə-ˈzish-ən How to pronounce juxtaposition (audio)
: the act or an instance of placing two or more things side by side
also : the state of being so placed
juxtapose transitive verb
juxtaposed; juxtaposing

More from Merriam-Webster on juxtaposition

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