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Synonyms

schismatic

American  
[siz-mat-ik, skiz-] / sɪzˈmæt ɪk, skɪz- /

adjective

  1. Also schismatical. of, relating to, or of the nature of schism; guilty of schism.


noun

  1. a person who promotes schism or is an adherent of a schismatic body.

schismatic British  
/ skɪzˈmætɪk, sɪz- /

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or promoting schism

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a person who causes schism or belongs to a schismatic faction

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of schismatic

1350–1400; < Late Latin schismaticus < Greek schismatikós ( see schism, -ic); replacing Middle English scismatik < Middle French scismatique < Late Latin, as above

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:

In response, the Society's total of six bishops were excommunicated - and, in a highly unusual move, the Vatican said all the group's lay members "are to be considered schismatic and excommunicated".

From BBC ● Jul. 2, 2026

The society's superior-general, Father Davide Pagliarani, said in a statement published Tuesday that the group would go ahead with the consecrations and insisted it was "neither schismatic nor hostile to the Church".

From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026

The Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which didn’t recognize the authority of the Russian church and had been regarded as schismatic, was granted full recognition in 2018 by the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Orthodoxy’s top authority.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 25, 2023

In the face of this schismatic decision, Lowry announced in a blog post he is forgoing the bounty of Ryder Cup points in favor of a title defense.

From Golf Digest ● Jun. 9, 2016

The schismatic, my former gaoler, remained with the boat, and the two Catholics came with the rope.

From The Condition of Catholics Under James I. by John Gerard

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