v. [ad. mod.L. Syncrētizāre, ad. Gr. συγκρητίζειν to combine, as two parties against a third (of uncertain etymology; explained in the 16th and 17th c. as ‘to form alliances in the manner of the Cretans’).]
1. intr. To practise syncretism; to attempt to combine different or opposing tenets or systems; † loosely, to agree, accord.
1675. Alsop, Anti-sozzo, 326. If … we consider which of Christs spiritual Excellencies syncretize with them [sc. the types].
a. 1698. in R. Ferguson, View Eccles., 55. A Phrase which carrieth an odd sound, and syncretizeth with the Nestorian Gibberish.
1698. S. Clarke, Script. Justif., Introd. B 3. Why may not the extending it further be charged as a Syncretising with the Antinomians?
1883. Encycl. Brit., XV. 470/2. Their … syncretizing attitude towards the New Testament.
2. trans. To treat in the way of syncretism; to combine, as different systems, etc.
1907. Hibbert Jrnl., Jan., 276. One cannot merely syncretise religions.
