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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of upheaval
But the haphazard rollout of unprecedented global tariffs in April and the White House’s goal of reshaping the postwar order indicate that upheaval is not just incidental but a central policy objective.
—
Rebecca Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Domestic political concerns, as well as tough losses suffered in nearly two years of regional conflicts and upheavals, appear to have led these Iran allies to take a backseat in the latest round convulsing the region.
—Abby Sewell, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
The enormous upheaval that the Trump administration has created will only magnify that uncertainty for Boomers.
—Charley Locke, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025
Amid last year’s upheaval, the Mountain West awarded full membership to both Hawaii and UTEP, added Northern Illinois as a football-only member starting in 2026, and welcomed UC Davis as a full, non-football member for the 2026–27 academic year.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for upheaval
Rebecca Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Domestic political concerns, as well as tough losses suffered in nearly two years of regional conflicts and upheavals, appear to have led these Iran allies to take a backseat in the latest round convulsing the region.
—Abby Sewell, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
The enormous upheaval that the Trump administration has created will only magnify that uncertainty for Boomers.
—Charley Locke, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025
Amid last year’s upheaval, the Mountain West awarded full membership to both Hawaii and UTEP, added Northern Illinois as a football-only member starting in 2026, and welcomed UC Davis as a full, non-football member for the 2026–27 academic year.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for upheaval
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upheaval
Noun
-
The Trump administration has pardoned all Jan. 6 protesters and has taken actions against those who prosecuted them for a variety of allegations connected to the unrest.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
28 June 2025
-
With features like blast-resistant walls, ballistic glass and rapid evacuation elevators, Aerie is built to handle everything from civil unrest to the most extreme emergencies.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2025
Noun
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But a December revolution ended the Assad family’s rule, and the former Islamist militant who leads the new government has sought new investment and trade links, which Gulf states in particular have been quick to offer.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
1 July 2025
-
On July 7th, Uranus, the planet of disruption, awakening, and revolution, enters Gemini for the first time since 1942.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
Additional information collected about the earthquake may also prompt U.S.G.S. scientists to update the shake-severity map.—
William B. Davis,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
-
Like an earthquake, the tectonic plates connecting the culture and the industry have shifted — and hip-hop may never be the same.—
Touré,
HollywoodReporter,
19 June 2025
Noun
-
The emotional emptiness can feel unbearable, and the practical demands only add to the turmoil, often leaving the surviving spouse feeling lost and helpless.—
David Kudla,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
-
Bob Vander Weide, then team president and son-in-law to Rich DeVos, was on the outs — the casualty of a divorce from the owner’s daughter and a franchise in turmoil.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
The revolt by a large number of Labour MPs against benefit cuts imposed by Keir Starmer is an example.—
Mike O'Sullivan,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
-
Rumors of connections between Saint Domingue and slave resistance abounded in Virginia after 1793 and shaped how whites understood Gabriel’s revolt in Richmond in 1800.—
Time,
Time,
9 June 2025
Noun
-
All of these acts of insurrection reveal a nation unbowed in the face of violent oppression.—
Nuri Kino,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
-
Mass deportations, the politicization of our military and the use of the military as props to create the suggestion of insurrection are classic authoritarian techniques to take over governments.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
18 June 2025
Noun
-
Also, because Israel is constantly targeting Tehran, which has been the center of previous uprisings, there is no potential for people to mobilize and come out on the streets, Azizi added.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 June 2025
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Newark’s mayor cited reports of a possible uprising and escape after disorder broke out at the facility Thursday night and protesters outside the center locked arms and pushed against barricades as vehicles passed through gates.—
Mike Catalini,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2025
Noun
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Severe storms in the US this spring caused millions of dollars in damages to crops.—
Umair Irfan,
Wired News,
28 June 2025
-
The storms may bring wind gusts of up to 60 mph and penny-sized hail (0.75 inches).—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Upheaval.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upheaval. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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