splinter sect

Definitions

A small group that has broken away from a larger religious or political organization due to disagreements.

A faction that separates from a parent body to form an independent, often more radical, entity.

Examples

The radical splinter sect broke away from the main church to pursue their own interpretation of the scriptures.

After years of internal conflict, a small splinter sect formed to advocate for more aggressive political reforms.

The government monitored the splinter sect closely, fearing their extremist rhetoric might incite violence.

Synonyms

breakaway group faction offshoot schismatic group dissident sect secessionist group fringe group

Antonyms

mainstream parent body unified church orthodox group establishment mother organization central authority