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 these two things: classic, early Hollywood decadence, which is languid and which has its own flavor of Americana, next to frank, twenty first century poetry written to music. Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 For the couple from Knoxville, the juxtaposition between their weekend in L.A. and news coverage of the protests felt bizarre. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025 Which auction items have that Lynchian juxtaposition of horror and quotidian, the strange, everyday object? James Folta, Literary Hub, 30 May 2025 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 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 17 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!