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 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
  • After a Golden Flashes timeout, Sayin rolled right and heaved it toward the end zone, when Brandon Inniss caught it in the middle of a crowd of Kent State defensive backs to make it 35-0.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The ice groaned and heaved, fracturing as if the river itself had come back to life.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Other high-profile instances of a banner or flag being hoisted on the rock face were seen in the prior year.
    — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
  • McNeely’s riff shows a toe (flexed, as ever) hoisted from the ceiling, the rest of the figure an illegible mass of guts and bones.
    — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Upheave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upheave. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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