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

If the American university survives the twenty-first century, that resilience will probably have to do not just with rules and standards but with a certain magic flexibility and eclecticism being upheld. —Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025

Finally, reimagined codes of femininity and eclecticism were best demonstrated at Prada, Etro and Dolce & Gabbana, where unexpected pairings and silhouettes were styled in an effortlessly sophisticated way. —Luisa Zargani, WWD, 2 Mar. 2025

But any show that has Jack White, Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Lauryn Hill, David Byrne, Robyn and Cher sharing a stage is going for more than just a ratings grab, going some distance toward recreating the classic eclecticism of the 50-year-old show at its tastemaking best. —Chris Willman, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025

Southern Californian residential architecture has long been mocked for its anarchic eclecticism. —Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 1 Feb. 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