as in unrest
a violent disturbance (as of the political or social order)
the government can no longer control the social upheaval brought about by the collapse of the country's economy
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of upheaval
Read more in Diane’s story about leading a major business through political upheaval.
—
Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
The Foo Fighters frontman and former Nirvana drummer has undergone a period of extensive personal upheaval in recent years.
—Monica Coviello, Vanity Fair, 26 Mar. 2026
Over the course of the twentieth century, with its endless economic and political upheavals, the numbers of both people and reindeer in the camp have dwindled.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
More upheaval struck the franchise a few months after the seasons starring Tran and Ellis with the announcement that executive producers Claire Freeland and Bennett Graebner would be exiting.
—Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for upheaval
Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
The Foo Fighters frontman and former Nirvana drummer has undergone a period of extensive personal upheaval in recent years.
—Monica Coviello, Vanity Fair, 26 Mar. 2026
Over the course of the twentieth century, with its endless economic and political upheavals, the numbers of both people and reindeer in the camp have dwindled.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
More upheaval struck the franchise a few months after the seasons starring Tran and Ellis with the announcement that executive producers Claire Freeland and Bennett Graebner would be exiting.
—Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for upheaval
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upheaval
Noun
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When a white suburban jury acquitted the LAPD officers who beat Black motorist Rodney King, protesters spilled into the Slot and set the nearby landmark palm trees on fire — a precursor for the unrest to come.—
Deputy Managing Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2026
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So when, in December 2025, thousands of ICE agents descended upon the Twin Cities, initiating two months of unrest and violence, restaurants were not at the forefront of the headlines, but acutely absorbing its impact.—
David Farley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Fidel Castro led Cuba for nearly five decades after the communist revolution in 1959, nationalizing industry on the island and bringing Havana close to the then-Soviet Union before handing power to his brother, Raúl Castro.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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The move away from the revolution’s traditional red toward softer colors signals not a rupture, but a recalibration.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Those who noticed the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
2 Apr. 2026
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While earthquakes cannot be predicted, Raman emphasized simple protective actions people can take, such as taking cover under a table or rolling onto your stomach and protecting your neck if already in bed.—
Kat Filardi,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Those crises required two large IMF deals supported by tens of billions of dollars in Gulf aid and investments, reflecting a long-standing view among Gulf capitals that stability in the most populous Arab country is key to preventing wider turmoil.—
Alaa Shahine Salha,
semafor.com,
2 Apr. 2026
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Kara Ng, senior economist at Zillow Home Loans, said the mortgage-rate shock, fueled by bond market turmoil linked to the war in Iran, could stall the spring housing market if the conflict drags on.—
Samantha Delouya,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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As a history of the Arab revolt, Seven Pillars of Wisdom is sometimes lacking in accuracy; as an intimate memoir, however, the text is a classic.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
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After enduring a series of mini-revolts from fans criticizing last spring’s casting announcement and December’s first-look trailer, Survivor 50 has gotten off to an encouraging start.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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There were rebellions, insurrections and an Appian Way lined with crucifixions.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
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Meanwhile, a separate insurrection led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, a Marxist political party, tore through the southern part of the country in the late 1980s, killing tens of thousands of people.—
Eranda Jayawickreme,
The Conversation,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Koeninger led off the bottom of the first inning for Keller (23-1-2 overall, 9-0 district) by lining a ball over the left field wall to start a 4-run uprising.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
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Contrary to expectations in Washington and Jerusalem, the war has not sparked a popular uprising.—
Kazem Kazerounian,
Hartford Courant,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Even minor changes in clouds, wind or storms can force delays, especially for a mission of this scale.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Upheaval.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upheaval. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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