schismatic

1 of 2

noun

schis·​mat·​ic siz-ˈma-tik 

ski-

: one who creates or takes part in schism

schismatic

2 of 2

adjective

variants or less commonly schismatical

siz-ˈma-ti-kəl 

ski-

: of, relating to, or guilty of schism

schismatically

siz-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

ski-

adverb

Examples of schismatic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Given that Pakistan is home to over 20 million Shia Muslims—the second largest cohort in the world after Iran—open warfare with the only nation with more would be schismatic internally. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 Apr. 2026

In 1935, Pope Pius XI openly supported the invasion of Ethiopia as a crusade against a country of heretics, schismatics, pagans, and infidels. — Ian Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Feb. 2022

Adjective

The Vatican said the consecrations, carried out without the pope’s approval and therefore in conflict with Catholic law, constituted a schismatic act that severed the society’s communion with Rome. — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026

The highly organized religious extravaganza underscored the society’s international reach despite its schismatic outsider status, and appeal to conservative, traditionalist Catholics wary of the modern, secular world. — Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English scismatyk, sysmatyke, borrowed from Anglo-French and Late Latin; Anglo-French scismatic, scismatike, borrowed from Late Latin scismaticus, schismaticus, borrowed from Late Greek schismatikós, noun derivative of schismatikós, adjective, "of a schism" — more at schismatic entry 2

Adjective

Middle English scismatike, borrowed from Middle French and Late Latin; Middle French scismatique, borrowed from Late Latin scismaticus, schismaticus, borrowed from Late Greek schismatikós, from schismat-, schísma "dissension in religion" (going back to Greek, "cleft, division") + Greek -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at schism

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for schismatic

• asthmatic
• chromatic
• climatic
• dogmatic
• dramatic
• ecstatic
• emphatic
• erratic
• eustatic
• fanatic
• hepatic
• lymphatic

Kids Definition

schismatic

1 of 2 noun

schis·​mat·​ic siz-ˈmat-ik 

skiz-

: one who creates or takes part in schism

schismatic

2 of 2 adjective

: of, relating to, or guilty of schism