syncretic
adjective
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Syncretic has its roots in an ancient alliance. It's a descendant of the Greek word synkrētismos, meaning "federation of Cretan cities-syn- means "together," with, and Krēt- means "Cretan." The adjective first appeared in English in the mid-19th century, and the related noun "syncretism" debuted over 200 years earlier. "Syncretic" retains the idea of coalition and appears in such contexts as "syncretic religions," "syncretic societies," and even "syncretic music," all describing things influenced by two or more styles or traditions. The word also has a specific application in linguistics, where it refers to a fusion of grammatical forms.
Examples of syncretic in a Sentence
Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026
For some believers, elements of Catholicism, Voodoo, Protestantism and hoodoo combine into syncretic faith practices.
—Lauren Nicole Henley, The Conversation, 17 Feb. 2026
Goodrem and Copley — who started dating in 2017 before getting engaged in Malta in 2023 — exchanged vows at the historic St. Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina, constructed in the 12th century in a syncretic Baroque style, per Vogue Australia.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025
Cabrera devoted her life to documenting the Lucumí faith — also known as Santería or Regla de Ocha — a syncretic religion that emerged in Cuba from Yoruba belief systems brought by enslaved Africans and merged with Catholicism.
—Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Syncretic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/syncretic. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
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