neoclassical

1 of 2

adjective

neo·​clas·​si·​cal ˌnē-ō-ˈkla-si-kəl 

variants or less commonly neoclassic

ˌnē-ō-ˈkla-sik 

: of, relating to, or constituting a revival or adaptation of the classical especially in literature, music, art, or architecture

neoclassicism

ˌnē-ō-ˈkla-sə-ˌsi-zəm 

noun

neoclassicist

ˌnē-ō-ˈkla-sə-sist 

noun or adjective

neoclassicism

2 of 2

noun

neo·​classicism "+ 

1

: the principles or the style of neoclassical literature, art, architecture, music, or economics

in drama, neoclassicism was marked by devotion to the "Rules": the three unities, the use of a chorus, the avoidance of violence on the stage, the use of only royal or noble characters in tragedy

—Cleanth Brooks & R. B. Heilman

2

: classicism sense 3

Examples of neoclassical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Delcy Rodríguez, the acting president of Venezuela, conducts the nation’s business out of the Miraflores Palace, a 19th century neoclassical mansion in the heart of Caracas. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 30 July 2026

Its leaders sat a couple of miles away, behind the neoclassical facade of the General Staff headquarters. — Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026

Syros, Greece Syros appeals to travelers who value culture alongside yachting, with the neoclassical architecture of Ermoupoli, an active marina, and fewer crowds than many neighboring Cycladic islands. — Paula Conway, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Rooms There are 169 guest rooms—including 48 suites and five penthouses—spread across four historic neoclassical buildings, the oldest of which was built in 1870 as the Montreal headquarters for the Great Scottish Life Insurance Company. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

neo- + classical or classic entry 1

Noun

ne- + classicism

First Known Use

Adjective

1877, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for neoclassical

• nonclassical
• classical
• semiclassical