noun

juxtaposition

JUK-stuh-puh-ZISH-un

Quiz me More like this

Juxtaposition (noun) means the placing of two things side by side, especially so that the contrast or connection between them stands out. Example: “The juxtaposition of the glass tower and the medieval church is startling.”

noun

The placing of two things side by side, especially so that the contrast or connection between them stands out.

"The juxtaposition of the glass tower and the medieval church is startling."

"Her essay draws on the juxtaposition of wealth and poverty in the same street."

literary In writing, film, and art, a technique of setting contrasting images or ideas next to each other to create meaning or effect.

"The film's juxtaposition of the wedding and the funeral does the work of a whole monologue."

How to use juxtaposition

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPutting two very different things next to each other so the difference shows.

When to use it

Formal to neutral; a staple of art, literature and design criticism.

Memory tip

Use of or with after it: the juxtaposition of A and B, or A in juxtaposition with B. The verb is juxtapose.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

juxtaposition vs contrast juxtaposition vs oxymoron juxtaposition vs antithesis

Common pairings

striking juxtaposition stark juxtaposition the juxtaposition of odd juxtaposition in juxtaposition with

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like juxtaposition.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

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 “juxtaposition” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ of the glass tower and the medieval church is startling.

Etymology

From Latin juxta, "beside", combined with position; the term entered English via French juxtaposition.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

View more →

contrast pairing comparison collocation proximity apposition

Related words

line union difference opposition comparison contrast compare neighborhood

Rhymes for juxtaposition

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection

See all rhymes for 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.

What is the meaning of juxtaposition?

"juxtaposition" (noun) means the placing of two things side by side, especially so that the contrast or connection between them stands out.

People also searched

line union difference opposition comparison contrast compare neighborhood