schism
a split or division between strongly opposed factions
Word origin: From Greek schisma, a cleft or division.
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.
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.
More GRE words starting with S
to deliberately damage or obstruct something, especially in secret
an intensely sweet, calorie-free artificial sweetener
excessively sweet or sentimental in a cloying way
regarded as too important or sacred to be altered or criticized
having keen practical judgment and discernment
soundness of judgment and acuteness of discernment
most noticeable or important; standing out prominently
of a sickly yellowish or pale complexion
Questions about “schism”
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Definitions in isolation do not stick. Sit a free, full-length GRE mock and meet this vocabulary inside real text completion and sentence equivalence questions, with your score and a worked solution for every answer.