upheaval
noun
up·heav·al
ˌəp-ˈhē-vəl 
(ˌ)ə-ˈpē-
1
: the action or an instance of upheaving especially of part of the earth's crust
2
: extreme agitation or disorder : radical change
also
: an instance of this
Examples of upheaval in a Sentence
The civil rights movement marked a period of social upheaval in the U.S.
the emotional upheaval of divorce
a period of cultural and social upheavals
The island was created by an upheaval of the ocean floor.
The lake was formed by geologic upheaval.
Recent Examples on the Web
Concerns among Democrats may have been expected in California, given the state’s liberal tilt and the widespread and relentless government upheaval since President Trump took office in January.
—
Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
Uranus is the harbinger of change and upheaval, the disruptor that challenges the status quo.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 July 2025
Despite the chaos, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure experienced extraordinary growth before and after the pandemic closure and boardroom upheaval.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 7 July 2025
And yet, despite seismic shifts in just about everything—three distinct processor instruction sets, two CEOs, innumerable design changes, and global trade upheaval—Apple's cheapest modern laptops have started around $1,000 for more than two decades.
—ArsTechnica, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for upheaval
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Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
Uranus is the harbinger of change and upheaval, the disruptor that challenges the status quo.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 July 2025
Despite the chaos, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure experienced extraordinary growth before and after the pandemic closure and boardroom upheaval.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 7 July 2025
And yet, despite seismic shifts in just about everything—three distinct processor instruction sets, two CEOs, innumerable design changes, and global trade upheaval—Apple's cheapest modern laptops have started around $1,000 for more than two decades.
—ArsTechnica, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for upheaval
Cite this Entry
“Upheaval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upheaval. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
upheaval
noun
up·heav·al
ˌəp-ˈhē-vəl
(ˌ)ə-ˈpē-
1
: the action or an instance of heaving or lifting up from beneath especially of part of the earth's crust
2
: an instance of violent disorder or change
emotional upheaval
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