Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary thesaurus view recents

synoecism

noun
Save Word
syn·​oe·​cism | \ sə̇ˈnēˌsizəm \
variants: or less commonly synoicism \ -​nȯiˌkizəm , -​nȯiˌsi-​ \
plural -s

Definition of synoecism

1 : a joining together : union specifically : a uniting of several towns or villages into one community (as in ancient Greece)
2 : the condition of being synoecious

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for synoecism

Greek synoikismos wedlock, act of combining into one city-state, from synoikizein

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about synoecism

Statistics for synoecism

Cite this Entry

“Synoecism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synoecism. Accessed 28 Feb. 2020.

Comments on synoecism

What made you want to look up synoecism? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

coax

Listen to the pronounciation of coax

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

More Confusing Words—Quiz

  • cats on impossible timber
  • The magician ______ moved the selected card to the top of the deck.
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Syn City

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games