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eclecticism

American  
[ih-klek-tuh-siz-uhm] / ɪˈklɛk təˌsɪz əm /

noun

  1. the use or advocacy of an eclectic method.

  2. a tendency in architecture and the decorative arts to mix various historical styles with modern elements with the aim of combining the virtues of many styles or increasing allusive content.


eclecticism British  
/ ɛˈklɛk-, ɪˈklɛktɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

  1. an eclectic system or method

  2. the use or advocacy of such a system

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of eclecticism

First recorded in 1825–35; eclectic + -ism

Vocabulary lists containing eclecticism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

What set “Mothership Connection” apart was its humor, imagination and eclecticism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

It’s that eclecticism and adventurous spirit that propels Croker’s excellent upcoming “Dream Manifest” album, due June 13.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2025

The secret, of course, was to lean into the incredible eclecticism of her career, all while avoiding the sleepy, saccharine pitfalls of a “Silent Night” -heavy holiday release.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 20, 2023

"As a novice, I liked the idea of eclecticism and variety, and having freedom in the overall structure," he says.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2023

His eclecticism may indeed be said to have been with him both a source of strength and weakness, for reasons which I shall propose to examine later on.

From Masters of French Music by Hervey, Arthur