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
Synonyms
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
His readings of paintings usefully map his inner upheavals.
—
Hazlitt, 3 Apr. 2024
At a time marked by political, economic and social upheavals, the Impressionists offered art in tune with modernity.
—Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
The question is whether the shake-ups are isolated to the two businesses in question or a signal of more upheaval to come in the AI industry.
—Verne Kopytoff, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2024
The global prayer movement with headquarters in south Kansas City has been in upheaval since allegations against founder Mike Bickle surfaced in late October.
—Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2024
Even in periods of less upheaval, the public health system was already in shambles, but now hospitals run by humanitarian groups and churches that many Haitians depend on are closing one by one.
—Frances Robles, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2024
India’s new citizenship law sparks anger and unrest The upheaval left the law’s fate in limbo.
—Gerry Shih, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024
Anyone following the recent real-life upheavals on college campuses can guess what ensues.
—The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2024
But the book also details Ford’s life after the confirmation: the death threats, the upheaval, the backlash.
—Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2024
Hazlitt, 3 Apr. 2024
At a time marked by political, economic and social upheavals, the Impressionists offered art in tune with modernity.
—Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
The question is whether the shake-ups are isolated to the two businesses in question or a signal of more upheaval to come in the AI industry.
—Verne Kopytoff, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2024
The global prayer movement with headquarters in south Kansas City has been in upheaval since allegations against founder Mike Bickle surfaced in late October.
—Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2024
Even in periods of less upheaval, the public health system was already in shambles, but now hospitals run by humanitarian groups and churches that many Haitians depend on are closing one by one.
—Frances Robles, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2024
India’s new citizenship law sparks anger and unrest The upheaval left the law’s fate in limbo.
—Gerry Shih, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024
Anyone following the recent real-life upheavals on college campuses can guess what ensues.
—The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2024
But the book also details Ford’s life after the confirmation: the death threats, the upheaval, the backlash.
—Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'upheaval.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near upheaval
Cite this Entry
“Upheaval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upheaval. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Kids 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
More from Merriam-Webster on upheaval
Nglish: Translation of upheaval for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of upheaval for Arabic Speakers
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