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
His bitter resentment at this upheaval is startling, even in the annals of Second World War cinema, where fraught farewells in crowded train stations abound.
—
Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2024
Adding to the upheaval is the fact that another researcher recently left the company.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2024
As someone deeply connected to this narrative through my family’s legacy with the Chickasaw Nation and the Chickasaw Freedmen, I am inspired by the pivotal roles that my great-great-great-grandfather, Charles Cohee Sr., and his son, Charles Cohee Jr., played during a time of significant upheaval.
—Kevin Cohee, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
The show has also seen a bit of of behind-the-scenes upheaval as of late.
—Andy Swift, TVLine, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for upheaval 
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.
Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2024
Adding to the upheaval is the fact that another researcher recently left the company.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2024
As someone deeply connected to this narrative through my family’s legacy with the Chickasaw Nation and the Chickasaw Freedmen, I am inspired by the pivotal roles that my great-great-great-grandfather, Charles Cohee Sr., and his son, Charles Cohee Jr., played during a time of significant upheaval.
—Kevin Cohee, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
The show has also seen a bit of of behind-the-scenes upheaval as of late.
—Andy Swift, TVLine, 1 Nov. 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 22 Nov. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share