juxtapose
verb
jux·ta·pose ˈjək-stə-ˌpōz 
juxtaposed; juxtaposing
transitive verb
: 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."
Example Sentences
a display that juxtaposes modern art with classical art
Recent Examples on the Web The resulting images juxtapose subjects' past and present selves, leaving viewers to reflect on the passage of time. Rachel Fadem, CNN, 2 Aug. 2022 Rustic wood beams and a chunky wood table juxtapose the shelves yet keep with the classic yet modern feel of the space. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2022 Her supple, plump lips juxtapose with her triangular, pointed, upturned nose and jutting eyebrow. Natasha Gural, Forbes, 24 June 2022 The three-part reading will juxtapose Muir’s representations of nature with Finney’s familial history and current events, tying together themes of mobility, exploration, and accountability. Kiran Herbert, Outside Online, 19 Aug. 2021 To make sage green pop, juxtapose it with a high-contrast color like charcoal gray. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 2022 The elegant, more party-ready dresses continued to juxtapose tougher, combat-ready looks, a point that designer Stine Goya tried to drive home. Lauren Caruso, Harper's BAZAAR, 12 Aug. 2022 Their vulnerability and powerlessness in those moments are meant to juxtapose their rise to power later in the series. Katherine Singh, refinery29.com, 28 July 2022 The prints juxtapose eccentrically shaped but essentially boxy forms, usually in just two colors, although one has four. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 27 May 2022 See More
Rachel Fadem, CNN, 2 Aug. 2022 Rustic wood beams and a chunky wood table juxtapose the shelves yet keep with the classic yet modern feel of the space. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2022 Her supple, plump lips juxtapose with her triangular, pointed, upturned nose and jutting eyebrow. Natasha Gural, Forbes, 24 June 2022 The three-part reading will juxtapose Muir’s representations of nature with Finney’s familial history and current events, tying together themes of mobility, exploration, and accountability. Kiran Herbert, Outside Online, 19 Aug. 2021 To make sage green pop, juxtapose it with a high-contrast color like charcoal gray. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 2022 The elegant, more party-ready dresses continued to juxtapose tougher, combat-ready looks, a point that designer Stine Goya tried to drive home. Lauren Caruso, Harper's BAZAAR, 12 Aug. 2022 Their vulnerability and powerlessness in those moments are meant to juxtapose their rise to power later in the series. Katherine Singh, refinery29.com, 28 July 2022 The prints juxtapose eccentrically shaped but essentially boxy forms, usually in just two colors, although one has four. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 27 May 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
probably back-formation from juxtaposition
First Known Use
1851, in the meaning defined above
juxtaposing
verb
as in combining
formal to place (different things) together in order to create an interesting effect or to show how they are the same or different The new museum display juxtaposes modern art with classical art. Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- combining
- mixing
- alternating
- inserting
- intermingling
- blending
- weaving
- interspersing
- interweaving
- merging
- integrating
- incorporating
- mingling
- embodying
- salting
- interlacing
- threading
- commingling
- amalgamating
- fusing
- wreathing
- assimilating
- lacing