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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 This is Kubrick’s modus operandi throughout the film, setting up scenes where furniture moves from shot to shot, wall decorations change, and there are further schisms between Ullman’s exposition and the reality that transpires. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026 The book follows this story for the critical eight years between 1527 and 1535, which led to the enduring schism that created the Church of England. — David Faris, TheWeek, 16 Sep. 2026 But schisms and heel digging are probably inevitable in such uncertain fields, Catling says. — Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026 The schism led to Faye firing Sonko and dissolving his government before appointing new ministers. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 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
  • Once the wicker creation proves far more extraordinary, discord and jealousy upset the fisherwoman’s quiet village.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Dolan was right that distractions can trip up a team, sowing just enough discord among its players to derail their chances at another title, and cut short their fans' chances at another joyous summer.
    — Noah Shachtman, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of discord
Noun
  • The Associated Press attended both services as the dramatic split-screen unfolded.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • After their split in 2018, she has not been romantically linked publicly to anyone else.
    — Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of split
Noun
  • The core elements—airy melodies, drug talk, copious ad-libs—are old hat, but frank tales of suburban ennui and romantic strife give the Minneapolis rapper’s latest album a refreshingly personal air.
    — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
  • There have been reports of internal strife at the London bureau at CBS News over the tone of its Middle East coverage since Bari Weiss, a strong supporter of Israel, took over as the network’s editor in chief last year.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of strife
Noun
  • His departure, alongside that of Benny Gantz, effectively ended the national unity arrangement and precipitated the dissolution of the war cabinet.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Netanyahu’s hard-right coalition partners frequently call for the West Bank’s annexation and the dissolution of the Palestinian Authority in the territory.
    — Gerry Shih, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of dissolution
Noun
  • When there must be some interlude of friction or a character needs to be brought low, The Gilded Age’s preferred mechanism is a dinner, ideally a fancy one with a complicated guest list and a variety of logistical obstacles.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
  • All machines have their friction; and possibly this does enough good to counterbalance the evil.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of friction
Noun
  • Emmanwori is tied for fourth on the defense with 27 tackles, despite missing the season opener, and has two sacks, seven quarterback hits and one pass breakup.
    — Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Seamlessly lacing their powerhouse vocals, the Dominican artist and Fonsi sing about that final goodbye that’s essential in any breakup.
    — Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of breakup
Noun
  • The vote, which had been scheduled for last week, was delayed after two days of deliberations because of growing wariness among Egyptians concerned about an intervention in Yemen's long-running conflict.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The risk of conflict is growing and the threat to the international economy is severe.
    — Dan Blumenthal, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of conflict
Noun
  • Well, before the week, Ben Baldwin’s model gave the Chiefs an 84% chance to win the division with a victory Sunday — and just a 38% chance to win the division with a loss.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Moreover, even robust Democratic majorities would need to confront the significant divisions that persist — and may be growing — in their ranks.
    — Ron Elving, NPR, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of division

Browse Nearby Words

scheming (out)
schism
schismatic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Schism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/schism. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on schism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about schism

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of candidate

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Old-Timey Vehicles

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
couple-laugh-cafe
Quiz: Foreign Phrases You Should Know Check out your bona fides and avoid any faux pas.
See All