eclecticism
Americannoun
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the use or advocacy of an eclectic method.
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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.
noun
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an eclectic system or method
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the use or advocacy of such a system
Etymology
Origin of eclecticism
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.
Sensibility and natural eclecticism, rather than unchecked ambition, is what propels Joseph; he has an innate knack for assembling bands and ensembles, good taste and good timing.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 4, 2026
What set “Mothership Connection” apart was its humor, imagination and eclecticism.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 29, 2025
Informed by the sounds he heard from James Brown, Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, it was indicative of the eclecticism throughout his career.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 17, 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
It is only in periods of eclecticism and renaissance, when the taste of the architect has wider scope, and may lead the eye instead of following it, that interest attaches to his personal merit.
From Walks in Rome by Augustus J. C. Hare
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
