Definition of upheavenext
as in to heave
to lift with effort exactly how the builders of the pyramids at Giza upheaved such massive blocks of stone remains a mystery

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of upheave Manchester by the Sea follows Massachusetts handyman Lee (Casey Affleck), whose life is upheaved by overwhelming personal tragedies. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2023 While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has continually pledged to upheave the country's judiciary, numerous protests have been seen against the action in cities across Israel. Justin Klawans, The Week, 12 Feb. 2023 Watch Out For The Big Grrrls managed to upheave multi-year reality winner RuPaul’s Drag Race. Rivea Ruff, Essence, 12 Sep. 2022 Photo: Robert Ludovic / HBO Tovey, as a council official who upheaves his comfortable relationship for a newfound passion, carries a lot of the show’s heart with him. Liz Shannon Miller, The Verge, 24 June 2019 Three years on, The Players’ Tribune has become a regular source of breaking news: Kevin Durant announced his league-upheaving move to Golden State in July 2016 with an essayistic memo, which then become a recurring format. Amos Barshad, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2018 However, after finishes of third and second in the past two seasons, Kamara believes Pochettino sees no reason to upheave his squad, despite critics arguing the Lilywhites could fall behind their rivals. SI.com, 28 July 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upheave
Verb
  • Then Jordan Love's desperation heave into the end zone from the Bears 28 was knocked down as time expired to secure Chicago's first playoff win since the 2010 season.
    Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss heaved a pass to the end zone.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • That was in 1962, when Gary Player hoisted the Wanamaker trophy at Aronimink.
    Nikki DeMentri, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Flagg hoists jumpers with his right hand but often appears most comfortable driving and finishing around the rim with his left.
    Christian Clark, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Upheave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upheave. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.

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