1
2
a
: formal division in or separation from a church or religious body
b
: the offense of promoting schism
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
The Vatican said dialogue was offered to the group ahead of the schism and that the step of ordaining bishops without church approval was considered so grave that excommunication was automatic.
—
Reuters,
NBC news,
5 July 2026
Parishioners at Saint Agnes said they were saddened by the schism and would continue to pray for a united church.
—
ABC News,
3 July 2026
The Vatican said on July 2 that priests and lay Catholics who are part of a breakaway right-wing Catholic group that ordained bishops without Pope Leo's approval were in schism with the wider Church and now excommunicated.
—
Joshua McElwee,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
This actually comes in the wake of a public schism between showrunner Ryan Condal and universe overlord George RR Martin, who has bemoaned significant changes to his original story.
—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for schism
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Reuters,
NBC news,
5 July 2026
Parishioners at Saint Agnes said they were saddened by the schism and would continue to pray for a united church.
—
ABC News,
3 July 2026
The Vatican said on July 2 that priests and lay Catholics who are part of a breakaway right-wing Catholic group that ordained bishops without Pope Leo's approval were in schism with the wider Church and now excommunicated.
—
Joshua McElwee,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
This actually comes in the wake of a public schism between showrunner Ryan Condal and universe overlord George RR Martin, who has bemoaned significant changes to his original story.
—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for schism
Cite this Entry
“Schism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/schism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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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