schism

[siz-uhm, skiz-] / ˈsɪz əm, ˈskɪz- /

NOUN

separation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alienation breakup disagreement discord dissension fissure rift rupture

STRONG

break difference disunion division divorce faction fracture gap parting secession split

WEAK

splinter group

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agreement closing closure harmony peace

STRONG

accord conformity juncture marriage unity whole

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A schism in the House of Windsor looks irreconcilable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

How to handle inside information is already generating a schism in the prediction-market world.

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

It was the first meeting between the heads of the two Churches since the great schism of 1054.

From BBC • Nov. 9, 2025

Does it reflect a schism within the military over its propriety?

From Slate • Oct. 21, 2025

The schism over slavery finally cracked the country wide open.

From "A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919" by Claire Hartfield