Definition of SYNCRETISM

syncretism

Meanings

Plural: syncretisms

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"
  • the fusion of originally different inflected forms (resulting in a reduction in the use of inflections)
  • The reconciliation or fusion of different systems or beliefs (religious, cultural, or otherwise cosmologic or ontologic).
  • The fusion of different inflexional forms.

Origin / Etymology

From Latin syncretismus, from Ancient Greek συγκρητισμός (sunkrētismós, “federation of Cretan cities”), from συγκρητίζω (sunkrētízō, “to unite against a common enemy”), from σύν (sún, “together”) (see English syn-) + Κρῆτες (Krêtes, “Cretans”). By surface analysis, syn- + Crete + -ism (“Crete joining together”).

Synonyms

syncresis

Scrabble Score: 17

syncretism is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
syncretism is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
syncretism is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 19

syncretism is a valid Words With Friends word