upheaval

noun

up·​heav·​al ˌəp-ˈhē-vəl How to pronounce upheaval (audio)
(ˌ)ə-ˈpē-
Synonyms of upheaval
1
: the action or an instance of upheaving especially of part of the earth's crust
2
: extreme agitation or disorder : radical change
a period of social upheaval
also : an instance of this
one of human history's greatest upheavals

Synonyms of upheaval

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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.
Management upheaval at Netflix continued Monday as the streamer’s head of films Dan Lin exited. — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 Most obviously, the United States itself has become a source of upheaval in the international system. — Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026 In a short speech welcoming guests, Keslassy highlighted the importance of bringing the international film community together at a time of upheaval and consolidation within the industry. — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026 While import costs have been on a downward trajectory and are expected to continue to fall, protracted geopolitical upheaval will persist in driving up the cost of oil, putting pressure on the industry. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for upheaval

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Browse Nearby Words

upheaped
upheaval
upheavalist
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Cite this Entry

“Upheaval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upheaval. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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
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