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
a period of social upheaval
also
: an instance of this
one of human history's greatest upheavals
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
Millions of Americans may still believe warming exists, but far fewer view it as an imminent existential threat—let alone embrace sweeping upheavals in energy policy and personal lifestyle.
—
MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
The entertainment industry has experienced a series of upheavals in recent years.
—Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025
Looters took advantage of the upheaval to sneak out priceless statues, which ended up in the collections of prominent museums around the world, including the Denver Art Museum.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 4 Dec. 2025
The upheaval has continued across 2025 with mass protests and the recent shooting of two National Guard members, one of whom was killed, while another remains injured.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upheaval
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MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
The entertainment industry has experienced a series of upheavals in recent years.
—Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025
Looters took advantage of the upheaval to sneak out priceless statues, which ended up in the collections of prominent museums around the world, including the Denver Art Museum.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 4 Dec. 2025
The upheaval has continued across 2025 with mass protests and the recent shooting of two National Guard members, one of whom was killed, while another remains injured.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 4 Dec. 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 8 Dec. 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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