the union (or attempted fusion) of different systems of thought or belief (especially in religion or philosophy)
<noun.state> a syncretism of material and immaterial theories
the fusion of originally different inflected forms (resulting in a reduction in the use of inflections)
<noun.process>
Syncretism \Syn"cre*tism\, n. [Gr. ?, fr. ? to make two parties join against a third: cf. F. syncr['e]tisme.] 1. Attempted union of principles or parties irreconcilably at variance with each other.
He is plotting a carnal syncretism, and attempting the reconcilement of Christ and Belial. --Baxter.
Syncretism is opposed to eclecticism in philosophy. --Krauth-Fleming.
2. (Philol.) The union or fusion into one of two or more originally different inflectional forms, as of two cases. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
But the two sides fused and today, syncretism, the combination of different beliefs, dominates many African religions.