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

In juxtaposition, his girlfriend Alyssa is soft spoken, nerdy-looking and loves 18th century graveyards.

From Salon

I felt like the juxtaposition of Megan Thee Stallion going through the most successful point in her career while Megan Pete was struggling, gave it an internal conflict that I think people could really learn a lesson from.

From Salon

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

The juxtaposition of scenes of her surveying her estate’s grounds and telling her landscaping staff what she wants to be done against the echo of her brother Eric Scott’s voice saying “To this day, I despise gardening” is withering.

From Salon

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