verb

juxtapose

JUK-stuh-pohz

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Juxtapose (verb) means to place two or more things side by side, especially so that the contrast between them becomes clear. Example: “The exhibition juxtaposes wartime photographs with holiday snapshots from the same streets.”

verb

To place two or more things side by side, especially so that the contrast between them becomes clear.

"The exhibition juxtaposes wartime photographs with holiday snapshots from the same streets."

"He juxtaposed the two budgets to show how sharply spending had fallen."

How to use juxtapose

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo put two things next to each other so you notice how different they are.

When to use it

Formal; standard in art criticism, literary analysis and design.

Memory tip

The usual pattern is 'juxtapose A with B'. 'Juxtaposed against' is also common, though slightly less standard.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

compare → contrast → superimpose →

Common pairings

juxtapose two juxtaposed with juxtaposed against sharply juxtaposed

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “juxtapose” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The exhibition _____ wartime photographs with holiday snapshots from the same streets.

Etymology

A back-formation from juxtaposition, combining Latin juxta 'next to' with French poser 'to place'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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contrast set side by side compare pair

Related words

two both line couple match difference pair mate

Rhymes for juxtapose

rose nose lose dose pose Jose hose Bose close moose whose goose

See all rhymes for juxtapose →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between juxtapose and compare?

Comparing means examining things for similarities and differences, and it happens in the mind. Juxtaposing means physically or structurally placing them together so the reader or viewer draws the contrast themselves. Juxtaposition is a technique; comparison is an analysis.

Do juxtaposed things have to be opposites?

No, but the word implies the pairing is meaningful. Juxtaposition works best when the two items are unexpectedly different, because the effect comes from the friction between them.

What is the meaning of juxtapose?

"juxtapose" (verb) means to place two or more things side by side, especially so that the contrast between them becomes clear.

What is another word for juxtapose?

Other words for "juxtapose" include contrast, set side by side, compare, pair.

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two both line couple match difference pair mate