WORD OF THE DAY: SYNCRETIC

WORD OF THE DAY: SYNCRETIC

adjective   |   sin-KRET-ik

Syncretic describes things that are characterized or brought about by a combination of different forms of belief or practice.

// We were raised with a syncretic religion that combined practices from various faiths.

EXAMPLE OF SYNCRETIC

“Traditional medicine, wellness rituals, and spiritual practices reflect the island’s complex cultural history and diverse ethnic origins—a syncretic blending of Taíno Indigenous, African, and Spanish traditions.” — Tiana Randall, Forbes, 20 Aug. 2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Syncretic has its roots in an ancient alliance. The word is a descendant of the Greek noun synkrētismos, referring to a federation of cities on the island of Crete (syn means “together, with,” and Krēt- means “Cretan”). The adjective first appeared in English in the mid-19th century, the related noun syncretism having debuted over 200 years earlier. Syncretic retains the idea of coalition and appears in such contexts as “syncretic religions,” “syncretic cultures,” and even “syncretic art,” all describing things influenced by two or more styles or traditions.

Merriam Webster Dictionary