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
Leaders grappling with technological upheaval, political change, economic uncertainty, and shifting societal norms may be tempted to seek novel solutions.
—
Gena Cox, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
It shouldn't just be reserved for stunts and for emotional upheavals.
—EW.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Xers are shaped by their DIY childhoods and early economic upheavals and approach their careers with a potent blend of pragmatism and hidden idealism.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
Mother of Austin Tice sees hope for his release from Syria
The mother of American journalist Austin Tice, who was taken captive during a reporting trip to Syria in 2012, voiced hope on Sunday that upheaval in Syria will lead to freedom for her son.
—Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
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Gena Cox, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
It shouldn't just be reserved for stunts and for emotional upheavals.
—EW.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Xers are shaped by their DIY childhoods and early economic upheavals and approach their careers with a potent blend of pragmatism and hidden idealism.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
Mother of Austin Tice sees hope for his release from Syria
The mother of American journalist Austin Tice, who was taken captive during a reporting trip to Syria in 2012, voiced hope on Sunday that upheaval in Syria will lead to freedom for her son.
—Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for upheaval
Dictionary Entries Near upheaval
Cite this Entry
“Upheaval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upheaval. Accessed 2 Jan. 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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