eclectic

Including many different things that do not necessarily have much in common.

• She has eclectic tastes in music.
• The shop sells an eclectic mix of gifts.
• His bookshelves hold an eclectic collection of novels and travel guides.

Similar words: varied, diverse, mixed, heterogeneous

Opposites: uniform

Common phrases: eclectic mix, eclectic collection, eclectic tastes

Choosing and combining useful or appealing ideas, methods, or styles from different sources.

• Her style is eclectic.
• He takes an eclectic approach to teaching.
• The architect combined eclectic influences in the building's design.

Similar words: selective, wide-ranging

Common phrases: eclectic approach, eclectic style, eclectic influences

Someone who chooses ideas or methods from different systems instead of following just one.

• As an eclectic, she draws ideas from several traditions.
• The philosopher was an eclectic rather than a follower of one school.
• These eclectics combined methods from different systems.

Common phrases: an eclectic, philosophical eclectic, an independent eclectic