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syncretism

noun
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

 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.

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

The first known use of syncretism was in 1618

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with syncretism

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