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

Experts in residential and commercial interiors, Studio Roda embraces eclecticism in their highly personalized, surprising spaces. —Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 7 July 2025

This unexpected mix of cultural elements is very much part of Romanek’s design philosophy, which embraces both eclecticism and functionality, particularly in dining spaces. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019

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