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

• bouleversement
• cataclysm
• convulsion
• earthquake
• paroxysm
• storm
• tempest
• tumult
• uproar

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

Of course, the most consequential threat to the traditional home of TV and film production is the dramatic upheaval in the foundational business models for U.S. TV and film. —Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

Between the revolving door of coaches and the roster upheaval this season, the Rangers have been anything but stable. —Arthur Staple, New York Times, 2 May 2025

Included in the document are dramatic upheavals to the Park Service. —Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 2 May 2025

Rubio told the Herald that the designation was part of America’s responsibility to address the widespread violence and political upheaval in the country. —Michelle Garcia, NBC news, 2 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for upheaval

• coeval
• medieval
• primeval
• retrieval
• evil
• weevil

Kids 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