juxtaposition

American  

[juhk-stuh-puh-zish-uhn] / ˌdʒʌk stə pəˈzɪʃ ən /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• juxtapositional
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of juxtaposition

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

Explanation

If a waiter served you a whole fish and a scoop of chocolate ice cream on the same plate, your surprise might be caused by the juxtaposition, or the side-by-side contrast, of the two foods. Any time unlike things bump up against each other, you can describe it as a juxtaposition. Imagine a funeral mourner telling jokes graveside, and you get the idea — the juxtaposition in this case is between grief and humor. Juxtaposition of two contrasting items is often done deliberately in writing, music, or art — in order to highlight their differences.

Example Sentences

“It’s a constant reminder. And there’s that juxtaposition of experiencing something here that’s very important, but life is also happening right outside.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

The juxtaposition of events — escalating geopolitical pressure abroad and the promotion of a high-profile combat sports spectacle at home — has drawn attention for its optics.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

The juxtaposition of career- and kid-related decor was an intentional choice Farr made to reflect the phase of life she was in for much of the time she occupied the home.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

The juxtaposition is jarring -- and entirely normal here.

From Barron's • Mar. 28, 2026

The constant juxtaposition of “Algernon and Charlie,” and “Charlie and Algernon,” made it clear that they thought of both of us as a couple of experimental animals who had no existence outside the laboratory.

From "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes