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
"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
The Blues Project’s eclecticism and energy made it a jam band before the scene emerged.
From New York Times • Nov. 20, 2022
Four great systems of eclecticism arose; Aristobulus and Philo tinctured Judaism with Greek and Egyptian philosophy.
From History of European Morals From Augustus to Charlemagne (Vol. 1 of 2) by Lecky, William Edward Hartpole
Definitions 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.
