juxtaposition
Americannoun
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an act or instance of placing close together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.
-
the state of being close together or side by side.
Other Word Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing juxtaposition
Literary Devices & Figures of Speech - Introductory
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The AP English Exam: Rhetorical and Literary Terms 1
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Reading: Literature - Literary Devices & Figures of Speech - Middle School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
Halliday: It’s an interesting juxtaposition because Daisy in Toronto is free and liberated and happy, but in a way, she’s not as open-minded as she could be.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 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 sight of him standing there, amid tangles of old flowers, is a peculiar juxtaposition.
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
