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

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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.
However, the approaching eclipse season comes with a lightning flash of inspiration, along with the usual possibility for upheaval and sudden plot twists. — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026 This represents a major upheaval globally, as the European market is the world’s largest economy and a significant risk for all companies that do not prepare for it now. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 29 July 2026 In fact, the complexity of the migration might now be a liability, as multiple stops on the journey face upheaval at once. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 Slash noted that its shift beyond management came at a time of upheaval and consolidation in the entertainment industry. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 July 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

See All Rhymes for upheaval

Browse Nearby Words

upheaped
upheaval
upheavalist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Upheaval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upheaval. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

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

Nglish: Translation of upheaval for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All