put next to each other to compare

juxtapose

verb|/ˈdʒʌk.stə.poʊz/

Place side by side for direct comparison

Examples

In a meeting

Let's juxtapose last quarter's results with this quarter to see the trend.

Over coffee

If you juxtapose the two paint samples, you'll see which one matches better.

Why this word

compare

Juxtapose emphasizes placing items side-by-side for contrast, while compare is broader and may involve analysis without physical or conceptual adjacency

place

Juxtapose specifies placing things beside each other for deliberate comparison, while place lacks the comparative intent

contrast

Juxtapose describes the act of positioning for comparison, while contrast describes the relationship or difference itself

Usage tip

Use when you want to emphasize direct comparison by placing things together, especially for visual or analytical contrast

Etymology

Latin 'juxta' (near) + French 'poser' (to place)

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