upheaval

noun

up·​heav·​al ˌəp-ˈhē-vəl How to pronounce upheaval (audio)
(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

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
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.
Michael Jordan wears No. 45 in return to the Bulls For LaVine, the last few weeks of upheaval have offered perspective. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025 During his decades-long career in finance, Carney steered governments through major global crises and periods of upheaval. Max Saltman, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025 The Wave went through rare upheaval last season and this past offseason, so the full reboot might serve them well. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025 Despite the upheaval, early tax filers are seeing a steady stream of refunds hitting their bank accounts and mailboxes, Susan Tompor reports. Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for upheaval

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of upheaval was in 1838

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Cite this Entry

“Upheaval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upheaval. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

upheaval

noun
up·​heav·​al ˌəp-ˈhē-vəl How to pronounce upheaval (audio)
(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

More from Merriam-Webster on upheaval

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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