1. a revival of classical styles and principles in art, literature, architecture, or music, especially the movement in 18th and early 19th century Europe that emphasized order, symmetry, and restraint
Usage: art history; literature

Examples

• The museum’s neoclassicism wing features paintings by Jacques-Louis David.
• Neoclassicism dominated European architecture in the late 1700s.
• The poet’s work showed a clear influence of neoclassicism in its formal structure.
• Many government buildings in Washington D.C. reflect neoclassicism design principles.
• The composer rejected romanticism in favor of neoclassicism.
• Neoclassicism emphasized reason and order over emotion and imagination.