Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 17, 2026 is:
 
 
 
 
 syncretic &#149; \sin-KRET-ik\&nbsp; &#149; adjective
 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. 

<a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/syncretic">See the entry ></a>
 
 
 
 Examples:
 "Traditional medicine, wellness rituals, and spiritual practices reflect the island’s complex cultural history and diverse ethnic origins—a syncretic blending of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Taino">Taíno</a> 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 <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/syncretism">syncretism</a> 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.

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