SCHISMATIC Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

schismatic 1 of 2

adjective

variants also schismatical

Definition of schismatic

as in sectarian

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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

The sectarian violence rocked Northern Ireland for almost 30 years, pitting Catholics against Protestants, mostly over questions of British rule.

— Jon Wertheim, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026
The government's counter-insurgency spiraled into sectarian violence.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of sectarian

Noun

Since 2022, the truckers’ protest has morphed into a full-scale separatist movement for the province of Alberta, and the podcasters have now picked up that cause too.

— Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026
Ruby Ridge is where white separatist Randy Weaver barricaded himself, his family, and a friend in a remote Idaho cabin after refusing to appear in court on federal weapons charges.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 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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Style

“Schismatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/schismatic. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of schismatic

adjective

noun

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