syncretic

adjective

syn·​cret·​ic sin-ˈkre-tik 

siŋ-

: characterized or brought about by syncretism : syncretistic

a syncretic religion

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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

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to displaying her oeuvre, the museum has rounded up her various cultural and stylistic influences from Black Power Movement ephemera to pre-Hispanic sculptural references, pinpointing how Catlett’s intersectional politics were syncretic with her formal techniques. —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

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

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