juxtaposition
6 synonyms for juxtaposition, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The placing of two things side by side, especially so that the contrast or connection between them stands out.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use juxtaposition
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
striking juxtaposition
stark juxtaposition
the juxtaposition of
odd juxtaposition
in juxtaposition with
Formal to neutral; a staple of art, literature and design criticism.
Etymology
From Latin juxta, "beside", combined with position; the term entered English via French juxtaposition.
Full origin of juxtaposition →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between juxtaposition and contrast?
Contrast is the difference itself; juxtaposition is the act of placing things together so that difference becomes visible. You can contrast two ideas in separate chapters, but you juxtapose them only by putting them side by side.
What is the difference between juxtaposition and oxymoron?
An oxymoron squeezes contradictory terms into a single phrase, like "deafening silence". Juxtaposition sets two separate elements next to each other and lets the reader feel the tension. An oxymoron is a phrase; a juxtaposition is an arrangement.
Does juxtaposition always involve opposites?
No. The things placed together only need to be different enough for the pairing to say something. Two similar images can be juxtaposed to reveal a subtle distinction.
