schism

noun

ˈsi-zəm How to pronounce schism (audio)
Definition of schismnext
1
as in discord
a lack of agreement or harmony schism within the charitable organization was preventing it from achieving its goals

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in split
the act or process of a whole separating into two or more parts or pieces the schism of the Christian church into the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of schism Hussein’s killing cemented the schism between Sunni and Shiite Islam and remains a powerful symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice. — Fadi Tawil, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 Even for a party accustomed to searing debates between progressives and moderates, the schism over Israel has been blistering. — Steve Peoples, Fortune, 24 June 2026 The schism prompted Faye to fire Sonko and dissolve his government before appointing new ministers. — Jenny Vaughan, semafor.com, 24 June 2026 In England, the schism reshaped the relationship between church and state. — Peter C. Mancall, The Conversation, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for schism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for schism
  1. discord
  2. split
  3. strife
  4. dissolution
  5. friction
  6. breakup
  7. conflict
  8. division
Noun
  • The Administration has already undermined the agreement in many ways, experts tell TIME, citing the discord in February, when the bloc had to freeze the implementation of the agreement after Trump made additional tariff threats.
    — Tiago Ventura, Time, 9 July 2026
  • The transfer of the Chelsea art space is only the epilogue for Marlborough’s multi-year breakdown—the gallery’s closure in 2024 came after years of escalating strife and discord.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 9 July 2026
Definition of discord
Noun
  • Since the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has remained de facto split between competing political and military centers of power.
    — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 14 July 2026
  • Qualley has also deleted wedding photos with the record producer from her Instagram amid their split.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026
Definition of split
Noun
  • The transfer of the Chelsea art space is only the epilogue for Marlborough’s multi-year breakdown—the gallery’s closure in 2024 came after years of escalating strife and discord.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 9 July 2026
  • When her parents — the wonderful June Diane Raphael and Tom Everett Scott — fall into professional reputational strife, the family is forced to relocate to Seattle to rebuild their lives.
    — Scarlett Harris, IndieWire, 6 July 2026
Definition of strife
Noun
  • As for crypto, 83 House Democrats embarrassingly joined the Republicans to pass the CLARITY Act that would preside over the dissolution of financial protections for the American bank and retirement fund user.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 10 July 2026
  • Decertification of the union would lead to the dissolution of the contract, which currently sets pay, benefits and workplace rules for employees.
    — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
Definition of dissolution
Noun
  • The 61-year-old was treated in Greece for neck and shoulder injuries and friction burns, after a sudden cabin depressurization triggered oxygen masks and a rapid descent.
    — Costas Kantouris, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • However, funding that future remains a point of intense friction.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
Definition of friction
Noun
  • The 45-second clip features Oasis’ rowdy crowds and hints at rehearsal footage as Noel and Liam Gallagher talk about their reunion years after Oasis’ acrimonious breakup.
    — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 4 July 2026
  • The track is about cautiously opening yourself up to a new relationship after a painful breakup, finding comfort in someone who appreciates the very qualities a former partner criticized.
    — Jane LaCroix, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of breakup
Noun
  • The oil crisis brought on by the conflict in Iran has also boosted demand for China’s clean energy technology such as batteries and electric vehicles, as major energy importers have sought ways to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
    — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • This puts the big conflict of the episode into a different sort of relief.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 15 July 2026
Definition of conflict
Noun
  • Miki Sudo defended her title as well in the women’s division.
    — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026
  • The Dodgers claimed a series win in the four-game home set against their division rival, with the chance to sweep Sunday.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of division

Browse Nearby Words

scheming (out)
schism
schismatic
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Cite this Entry

“Schism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/schism. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on schism

Nglish: Translation of schism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about schism

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