SCHISMATIC Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

schismatic 1 of 2

adjective

variants also schismatical

Definition of schismatic

as in sectarian

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

schismatic

2 of 2

noun

as in separatist

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Dissimilar Words

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 schismatic

Adjective

Despite the original 1988 schismatic act, the group has continued to grow and today poses a threat to the Holy See as a parallel, ultra-Catholic, pre-Vatican II church. — ABC News, 30 June 2026 This action will constitute 'a schismatic act,' and 'formal adherence to the schism constitutes a grave offense against God and entails the excommunication established by the law of the Church'. — Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2026

Noun

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 How much backing the schismatics might have among AK voters is unclear. — The Economist, 6 June 2019 See All Example Sentences for schismatic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for schismatic

Adjective

In 1976, the Syrian military intervened during Lebanon’s civil war to put an end to sectarian violence.

— Mireille Rebeiz, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2026
Carson draws parallels between the familial traumas of those who remain and the broader societal wounds of a province still healing from decades of sectarian violence.

— The New Yorker, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of sectarian

Noun

The district elected a Western Canada Concept separatist in a 1982 provincial by-election.

— Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
The alleged plot targeting Pannun unfolded at the same time that Hardeep Singh Nijjar, another prominent Sikh separatist and friend of Pannun, was gunned down and killed in June 2023 by assassins outside his gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia.

— Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of separatist

Noun

Niger’s ruling junta survived its most serious internal challenge since the 2023 coup after renegade soldiers mutinied in Niamey and Russian Africa Corps fighters helped presidential guards retake a key airbase.

— Chinedu Asadu, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
In some ways, there is a strange kind of unity to these three—all are set during the Depression, all feature stylish renegades.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of renegade

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“Schismatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/schismatic. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of schismatic

adjective

noun

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