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syncretism

noun
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syn·​cre·​tism | \ ˈsiŋ-krə-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce syncretism (audio) , ˈsin- \

Definition of syncretism

1 : the combination of different forms of belief or practice
2 : the fusion of two or more originally different inflectional forms
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Other Words from syncretism

syncretist \ ˈsiŋ-​krə-​tist How to pronounce syncretist (audio) , ˈsin-​ \ noun or adjective
syncretistic \ ˌsiŋ-​krə-​ˈti-​stik How to pronounce syncretistic (audio) , ˌsin-​ \ adjective

Examples of syncretism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In this kind of storytelling, there’s a beautiful syncretism. — Robin Sloan, The Atlantic, "The Conspiracy Museum," 14 May 2020 Worth pursuing instead is a kind of syncretism in food — where all relevant voices shine forth equally and truthfully. — TheWeek, "Colonialism's effect on how and what we eat," 8 Mar. 2020 Others are seeking the same kind of supernatural protection Martins once found in Afro-Brazilian syncretism. — Alex Cuadros, Harper's magazine, "“My Gang Is Jesus”," 20 Jan. 2020 For centuries, Catholicism was Brazil’s official religion, but the Church tolerated a popular form of syncretism born when enslaved Africans disguised their deities as Christian saints. — Alex Cuadros, Harper's magazine, "“My Gang Is Jesus”," 20 Jan. 2020 An esoteric poet and believer of mystic spiritualism and religious syncretism, the eccentric Ms. Murillo always wears a multitude of turquoise rings. — Juan Montes, WSJ, "Nicaragua’s Political Crisis Descends Into ‘Dark Days’," 6 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'syncretism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of syncretism

1618, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for syncretism

New Latin syncretismus, from Greek synkrētismos federation of Cretan cities, from syn- + Krēt-, Krēs Cretan

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Time Traveler for syncretism

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The first known use of syncretism was in 1618

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Cite this Entry

“Syncretism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/syncretism. Accessed 29 Oct. 2020.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about syncretism

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