juxtaposition

[ juhk-stuh-puh-zish-uhn ]

noun

1. an act or instance of placing close together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.
2. the state of being close together or side by side.

Other Words From

• juxta·po·sition·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of juxtaposition¹

First recorded in 1655–65; from French, from Latin juxtā “near, bordering, side by side” + French position position; joust ( def )

Example Sentences

It was the juxtaposition of Mara’s potent, sinewy turn in “The Girl with Dragon Tattoo” and the nuanced fragility she exuded in “Carol” that confirmed his admiration for her performances.

From Los Angeles Times

This, I think, is going to be an interesting juxtaposition, to someone who remembers all the scene-stealing you did in “Grace and Frankie,” and your work in “The Perfect Couple.”

From Salon

From the moment you spot Skyview’s lemon-yellow “motel” sign off the 101 Freeway, Los Alamos strikes you with its juxtaposition of old and new.

From Los Angeles Times

And I feel like that juxtaposition, as those characters have gotten bigger in their reactions, I've tried to go the opposite direction with Colin, in order to kind of balance that a little bit.

From Salon

A study in juxtaposition, the soft vulnerability of a melty dumpling is hardened in black lacquer, fixed in time and space.

From Los Angeles Times