# neo

/ˈnioʊ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/neo
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. space object

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

Stands for Near-Earth Object. It is an asteroid or comet that passes close to Earth's orbit.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Near-Earth Object. Refers to any small Solar System body whose orbit brings it into proximity with Earth.

- Scientists are tracking a new NEO to make sure it doesn't hit our planet.
- The space agency's planetary defence office monitors every known NEO to calculate the probability of a future impact event.

Usage: Usually written in capital letters (NEO) but sometimes seen in lowercase in informal science writing.

### 2. political group

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · Technical

a short way of saying 'neoconservative' — a person with specific traditional political views.

For teachers: A clipping of neoconservative. Refers to a person who advocates for a specific brand of interventionist and traditionalist politics.

- The journalist interviewed a prominent neo about the country's new foreign policy.
- The debate featured a clash between traditional liberals and a group of neos who argued for increased military spending.

Teaching tip: In political contexts, 'neocon' is much more common than 'neo' as a clipping.

## Examples

- The city is famous for its neo-classical architecture.
- The gallery is hosting an exhibition focused on neo-expressionist painters who emerged in the late twentieth century.
- While the core tenets remain similar, the neo-liberal approach to economic policy emphasizes market deregulation more aggressively than its historical predecessors did during the early industrial era.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.