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
Shameekia Shantel Johnson, ARTnews.com, 4 Nov. 2024
On forest walks guided by Vedda elders, visitors can learn about their traditional hunter-gatherer culture and syncretic belief system, in which folk and animist ideas mingle with those of Sri Lanka's younger religions.
—The Week Uk, theweek, 1 Sep. 2024
Overall, there was immense geographical and cultural diversity amongst Muslims who perceived Islam as cultural—based in syncretic Sufi traditions—rather than political.
—Nahal Sheikh, JSTOR Daily, 15 May 2024
The syncretic religion that melds Catholicism with animist beliefs has no official leader or creeds.
—Dánica Coto, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 May 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Syncretic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/syncretic. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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