juxtaposition

noun

jux·​ta·​po·​si·​tion ˌjək-stə-pə-ˈzi-shən How to pronounce juxtaposition (audio)
Synonyms of juxtaposition
: 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
The juxtaposition of Holly's career with the content of her podcast might leave audience members scratching their heads.—Nick Kasmik
also : the state of being so placed
contrasting shapes placed in juxtaposition to each other
A five-minute ferry ride from Brooklyn and Manhattan, [Governor's Island] feels distant yet impossibly close, and the juxtaposition of vertical city and languorous landscape is almost surreal. —Justin Davidson
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.
Part of her vision is that juxtaposition of elements, and leaning into making her audience feel that sense of discomfort. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2026 Unlike ghosts, vampires have physical form and can interact directly with humans; like ghosts, vampires live forever, allowing for a humorous juxtaposition of characters from many points in time in one unhappy household. — Alison Herman, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026 Dave Nice, a longtime friend of the couple and an accomplished ultracyclist himself, values the juxtaposition between Tonsager’s competitive endeavors and her professional life. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 4 Oct. 2026 Among the show’s most consequential juxtapositions are the two monumental works that bookend the ground floor, Prince’s Folk Songs (Blasting Mats), 2006, and Jafa’s Big Wheel II, 2018. — Tina M. Campt, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for juxtaposition

See All Rhymes for juxtaposition

Browse Nearby Words

juxtaposit
juxtaposition
JV
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Cite this Entry

“Juxtaposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juxtaposition. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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
ˈjək-stə-ˌpōz How to pronounce juxtaposition (audio)
transitive verb
juxtaposed; juxtaposing

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