1
2
a
: formal division in or separation from a church or religious body
b
: the offense of promoting schism
Synonyms
Examples of schism in a Sentence
a schism between leading members of the party
The church was divided by schism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Eventually, the church split in two, undergoing a modern-day schism.
—
Eliza Griswold, The New Yorker, 30 June 2024
After losing scores of its congregations following a nationwide denominational schism, the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church met in Hot Springs last week for its first post-disaffiliation annual conference.
—Frank E. Lockwood, arkansasonline.com, 29 June 2024
As negotiations continued with multiple defendants, a schism developed between Borges and the other plaintiffs, who felt survivors should get less financial compensation than the families of those who lost their lives.
—Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2024
And last week his office took its most decisive action yet against the pope’s critics, launching a trial of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò on charges of fomenting schism and denying the pope’s legitimacy.
—Stefano Pitrelli, Washington Post, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for schism 
Eliza Griswold, The New Yorker, 30 June 2024
After losing scores of its congregations following a nationwide denominational schism, the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church met in Hot Springs last week for its first post-disaffiliation annual conference.
—Frank E. Lockwood, arkansasonline.com, 29 June 2024
As negotiations continued with multiple defendants, a schism developed between Borges and the other plaintiffs, who felt survivors should get less financial compensation than the families of those who lost their lives.
—Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2024
And last week his office took its most decisive action yet against the pope’s critics, launching a trial of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò on charges of fomenting schism and denying the pope’s legitimacy.
—Stefano Pitrelli, Washington Post, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for schism
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'schism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near schism
Cite this Entry
“Schism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/schism. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
1
b
: lack of harmony : discord
2
a
: division in or separation from a church or religious body
b
: the offense of promoting schism
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