Word of the day · 9 June 2026
juxtapose
/ˈdʒʌkstəpoʊz/
verb
To place two or more things side by side, especially for contrast or comparison.
In a sentence
- The exhibit juxtaposes wartime posters with present-day ads.
- She juxtaposed quiet streets with crowded stations in the essay.
- Editors juxtaposed the apology with the earlier denial.
In an image
Origin
From French juxtaposer, from Latin iuxta (beside, near) and French poser (to place).
History
Artists and editors use juxtapose when placement itself makes an argument. A bright color beside a dark one, an old photo beside a new one, a claim beside a counterclaim: the nearness does the work. The verb is active; someone chooses the pairing. That is why it appears so often in criticism and design notes.
Nearby words
contrast · compare · collocate
Set things next to each other so the difference shows.