What does "schism" mean?
A split or separation within a group or organization, typically caused by discord.
Schism
/ˈskɪzəm/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A split or separation within a group or organization, typically caused by discord.
- Grammar: schism is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: split, affiliation, alienation, apostasy.
- Useful contrasts: agreement, catholicity, harmony.
- Usage evidence: Helen's forum experienced an irreconcilable schism over whether to use one or two oven mitts.
How to use "schism"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "schism" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "schism" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "schism" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "schism" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "split" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "schism", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A split or separation within a group or organization, typically caused by discord.
"Despite personal schisms and differences in spiritual experience, there is a very coherent theology of Snape shared between the wives. To examine this manifestation of religious fandom, I will first discuss the canon scepticism and anti-Rowling sentiment that helps to contextualise the wider belief in Snape as a character who extends beyond book and film."
- 2 division of a group into opposing factions wordnet
- 3 A formal division or split within a religious body.
"The schism between Sunnis and Shias happened quite early in Islamic history."
- 4 the formal separation of a church into two churches or the withdrawal of one group over doctrinal differences wordnet
- 5 a split within Christianity whereby a group no longer recognizes the Bishop of Rome as the head of the Church, but shares essentially the same beliefs with the Church of Rome. In other words, a political split without the introduction of heresy.
Verb
- 1 To split, divide (a group or organization). transitive
"“This is going to schism Maga terribly online,” Kirk said. “You're going to see—I don't want to say a Maga civil war, but it's going to be a Maga online food fight that is going to be very hard to navigate.”"
Antonyms
Example
"Helen's forum experienced an irreconcilable schism over whether to use one or two oven mitts."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "schism"?
Common synonyms include: split, affiliation, alienation, apostasy, betrayal, body.
How do you use "schism" in a sentence?
Helen's forum experienced an irreconcilable schism over whether to use one or two oven mitts.
How do you pronounce "schism"?
Pronounced /ˈskɪzəm/.
Etymology
From Middle English scisme, from Old French cisme or scisme, from Ancient Greek σχίσμα (skhísma, “division”), from σχίζω (skhízō, “I split”). Doublet of schisma. Compare chasm. This word was historically pronounced /ˈsɪzəm/ (and still is among the clergy); the pronunciations /ˈʃɪzəm/, /ˈskɪzəm/ are due to the spelling (the latter may have been reinforced by learned influence); compare schedule.