eclecticism

noun

eclec·​ti·​cism i-ˈklek-tə-ˌsi-zəm 

e-

: the theory or practice of an eclectic method

Examples of eclecticism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is an album of dazzling, free-flowing eclecticism: The rap is lean and taut, the reggae sways like the coolest island breeze, and the love rhapsodies swoon, thanks to the funky elegance of her own multitracked harmonies. —Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 14 Aug. 2025

And a whole new frontier in the band’s musical eclecticism. —Peter Ames Carlin, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2025

Ranging from the cool North to the far East, from clean minimalism to colorful boho-eclecticism, these are the styles to know. —Melissa Grustat, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2025

Her Los Angeles home still feels modern but with a touch of eclecticism. —Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

eclectic entry 1 + -ism

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for eclecticism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism

Medical Definition

eclecticism

noun

eclec·​ti·​cism -ˈklek-tə-ˌsiz-əm 

1

: a theory or practice (as of medicine or psychotherapy) that combines doctrines or methods (as therapeutic procedures) from diverse sources

2

: a system of medicine once popular in the United States that depended on plant remedies