neoconservatism

[ nee-oh-kuhn-sur-vuh-tiz-uhm ]

/ ˌni oʊ kənˈsɜr vəˌtɪz əm /

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noun

an outgrowth of the conservative political movement that is more moderate than traditional conservatism, especially in its promotion of democracy abroad and its embrace of military intervention.

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Origin of neoconservatism

First recorded in 1960–65; neo- + conservatism

OTHER WORDS FROM neoconservatism

ne·o·con·serv·a·tive, noun, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use neoconservatism in a sentence

Duke was a state representative whose neo-Nazi alliances were disgorged in media reports during his run for governor in 1991.
The Price of Steve Scalise’s Silence|Jason Berry|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Although Southern did not automatically equal neo-Confederate, at times the distinction could easily get lost.
Steve Scalise Shows There’s a Fine Line Between Confederate & Southern|Lloyd Green|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST
But damn, the music is catchy—a neo-soul aural assault of horns, electro swirls, yelps, funky basslines, and harmonized vocals.
The 14 Best Songs of 2014: Bobby Shmurda, Future Islands, Drake, and More|Marlow Stern|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In contrast to Obamacare, a neo-WPA would have been a difficult target for the GOP.
Time to Bring Back the Truman Democrats|Joel Kotkin|December 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Donetsk, formerly a make-believe republic, is turning into a little neo-Soviet state.
East Ukraine: Back in the USSR|Jamie Dettmer|November 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Furthermore, the increased radicalism of the few was more than counterbalanced by the intensified conservatism of the many.
The English Church in the Eighteenth Century|Charles J. Abbey and John H. Overton
One would look in vain for a better example of the conservatism of the legal profession.
Baron d'Holbach|Max Pearson Cushing
How far can Conservatism be induced to plan and construct before it resists the thrust towards change.
The New Machiavelli|Herbert George Wells
It's the peculiarity of English conservatism that it's persistently progressive and rejuvenescent.
The New Machiavelli|Herbert George Wells
The Neo-conservative programme should tell us what is meant by the liberties of the people.
The Contemporary Review, January 1883|Various

British Dictionary definitions for neoconservatism

neo-conservatism

noun

(in the US) a right-wing tendency that originated amongst supporters of the political left and has become characterized by its support of hawkish foreign policies

Derived forms of neo-conservatism

neo-conservative, adjective, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012