syncretism Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the union (or attempted fusion) of different systems of thought or belief (especially in religion or philosophy)
    • a syncretism of material and immaterial theories
  2. noun the fusion of originally different inflected forms (resulting in a reduction in the use of inflections)

WordNet

Syn"cre*tism noun
Etymology
Gr. , fr. to make two parties join against a third: cf. F. syncrétisme.
Definitions
  1. Attempted union of principles or parties irreconcilably at variance with each other.
    He is plotting a carnal syncretism, and attempting the reconcilement of Christ and Belial. Baxter.
    Syncretism is opposed to eclecticism in philosophy. Krauth-Fleming.

Webster 1913