schism

noun

\ ˈsi-zəm,

ˈski- also ˈshi-; among clergy usually ˈsi-

Definition of schism

1 : division, separation also : discord, disharmony a schism between political parties

2a : formal division in or separation from a church or religious body

b : the offense of promoting schism

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Examples of schism in a Sentence

a schism between leading members of the party The church was divided by schism.

Recent Examples on the Web

The other one is the schism that is going on in the Democratic party and the sort of fight for the party’s soul. — Eric Johnson, Recode, "The media is responsible for President Trump and it still hasn’t learned from 2016, says Rolling Stone’s Matt Taibbi," 18 Oct. 2018 In theory, the Bitcoin Cash schism shouldn't affect other cryptocurrencies. — Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, "Bitcoin and Ethereum fall to lows not seen since 2017," 19 Nov. 2018 Bitcoin could only move forward by schism rather than reformation. — Gideon Lewis-kraus, WIRED, "The Blockchain: A Love Story—And a Horror Story," 18 June 2018 In 2016, white voters were concentrated in the Republican Party, Hispanic voters were far more powerful, and this cut a political schism in which Democrats became friendlier to immigrants and Republicans nominated Trump. — Ezra Klein, Vox, "White threat in a browning America," 30 July 2018 Lamont ought to know something about a schism in the party from his 2006 upset of Joe Lieberman in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary. — Neil Vigdor, courant.com, "Democrats Coalescing Around Ned Lamont In Governor's Race," 28 Apr. 2018 That schism was motivated by a disagreement about the size of blocks in bitcoin's blockchain. — Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, "Imminent Bitcoin Cash schism triggers cryptocurrency selloff," 14 Nov. 2018 As the midterms approach, Republicans are attempting to exploit schisms in the Democratic party. — Chad Pergram, Fox News, "Dem Civil War: Fury over Trump summit threatens to expose new party divisions," 19 July 2018 Still, in Tooley’s view, if the bishops’ recommendation is approved next year by delegates, that would fit the pattern that led to schisms in Episcopal, Lutheran and Presbyterian denominations. — Emily Mcfarlan Miller, Houston Chronicle, "United Methodist activists unsatisfied with bishops’ recommended plan to avert schism," 19 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'schism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.