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
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
Impact Leaders Create Stability In an age of climate risk, geopolitical tension, and technological upheaval, long-term stability matters more than short-term profits.
—
Paul Klein, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Despite the upheaval of the last two months, Nomar is clear on the purpose of college in his life.
—Anna North, Vox, 3 Apr. 2025
Governor Kathy Hochul considered removing Adams from office during the legal upheaval but ultimately opted to propose additional oversight measures for city government instead.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
After the upheaval of Covid, production returned but then went dark again for months amid the dual strikes of 2023.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upheaval
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Paul Klein, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Despite the upheaval of the last two months, Nomar is clear on the purpose of college in his life.
—Anna North, Vox, 3 Apr. 2025
Governor Kathy Hochul considered removing Adams from office during the legal upheaval but ultimately opted to propose additional oversight measures for city government instead.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
After the upheaval of Covid, production returned but then went dark again for months amid the dual strikes of 2023.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upheaval
Cite this Entry
“Upheaval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upheaval. Accessed 12 Apr. 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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