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GRE vocabulary

schism

nounHigh-frequency wordMore S words

a split or division between strongly opposed factions

Word origin: From Greek schisma, a cleft or division.

In a sentence

Schism in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing schism in a sentence.

A doctrinal schism fractured the once-unified church.

A doctrinal disagreement hardened over the years into a formal schism that split the congregation.

Synonyms
riftrupturedivision
Antonyms
unityunion
Usage & nuance

Using “schism” well

Schism names a split between strongly opposed factions, historically used of divisions within a church but applicable to any organization. It implies a decisive, often permanent rupture rather than a temporary quarrel.

Common questions

Questions about “schism

Schism (noun) means a split or division between strongly opposed factions
Here is schism used in an example sentence: "A doctrinal schism fractured the once-unified church." Another example: "A doctrinal disagreement hardened over the years into a formal schism that split the congregation."
Common synonyms for schism include rift, rupture, division.
Antonyms of schism include unity, union.
Clusters with rift, rupture, and division in Sentence Equivalence. Its antonyms unity and union mark the opposite, cohesive pole.
Yes. Schism is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

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