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

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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 actually comes in the wake of a public schism between showrunner Ryan Condal and universe overlord George RR Martin, who has bemoaned significant changes to his original story. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 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 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
  • His removal sparked public protests and discord within the Ukrainian military, with Fedorov making an outspoken attack on the chief of the armed forces, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, on Thursday.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of discord
Noun
  • Bayley and Lyra had their first singles match since the split this past weekend.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • After years of dating, including a brief split in 2007 that ultimately strengthened their relationship, William proposed during a trip to Kenya in 2010 with Princess Diana's iconic sapphire engagement ring.
    — Janelle Ash , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of split
Noun
  • Next year’s game is scheduled for the Chicago Cubs’ Wrigley Field for the first time since 1990, but is threatened by possible labor strife.
    — Ronald Blum, Mercury News, 15 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 strife
Noun
  • Sandhoo also serves as the Space Force’s portfolio acquisition executive for missile warning and tracking, which would keep him in charge of much of the SDA’s mission after the agency’s dissolution.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
  • These include dissolution, which uses solvents to recover polystyrene as pellets, and pyrolysis, which heats mixed plastic waste in low oxygen to produce oil-like feedstocks for new plastic.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 16 July 2026
Definition of dissolution
Noun
  • This modern methodology, also frequently employed by ascendent jazz jammers SML, adds artful friction to the Prairiewolf terroir.
    — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 17 July 2026
  • Opportunities Using Business Frameworks AI opportunities shouldn't arise from a haphazard list of use cases but should start with a methodical examination of where value is created and where friction exists.
    — Michael Chavira, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of friction
Noun
  • Text messages suggested d4vd had manipulated Celeste, even after their breakup in November 2024, the prosecution wrote.
    — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • The shorter run time also means some themes get reduced into syrup; the platitudes come as fast and furious as Tao and Elle’s breakups and makeups, with too little space to breathe in between.
    — Gemma Wilson, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026
Definition of breakup
Noun
  • The Iranian military fired six missiles on Jordan today, according to the Jordan Armed Forces, as the regional conflict expands.
    — Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Lario stressed that hunger and conflict often reinforce one another, creating a cycle that is difficult to break without greater stability.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
Definition of conflict
Noun
  • Most of the division was focused on combating malaria abroad through a decades-old program called the President’s Malaria Initiative, which was not only funded by USAID but partially run by the agency.
    — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Numerous former lawyers in the division also said that the current leadership has put its thumb on the scale at the outset of investigations.
    — Ben Wieder, Los Angeles Times, 19 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 23 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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