Synonyms

factionalism

American

[fak-shuh-nl-iz-uhm] / ˈfæk ʃə nlˌɪz əm /

noun

a condition in which a group, organization, government, etc., is split into two or more smaller groups with differing and often opposing opinions or interests.

Because of factionalism within the student community, only one-third of the students are officially striking.
His term as director would prove difficult on occasion, primarily because of the factionalism and the poisonous relationships among some of the members.

Etymology

Origin of factionalism

factional ( def. ) + -ism ( def. )

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.

See Examples For:

factionalism

More than that though, he vowed to banish factionalism from the party for good.

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

Irish playwright Seamus Heaney adapted this play in 1990 as “The Cure at Troy,” finding in it an image of his country’s religious factionalism and the possibility of peace.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 6, 2026

And though it’s much easier now to find books and other media taking a range of perspectives on menopause, it’s also easy to be waylaid by influencers, charlatans and factionalism.

From Salon ● Sep. 22, 2025

Vatican watchers noted Francis’ determination to sweep clean institutions that had become rife with dysfunction, factionalism and accusations of corruption.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 21, 2025

The Inka, he wrote in his 1963 article, were not defeated by steel and horses but by disease and factionalism.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

factionalism

noun

Etymology

Origin of factionalism

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Related Words