as in unrest
a violent disturbance (as of the political or social order)
the government can no longer control the social upheaval brought about by the collapse of the country's economy
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of upheaval
The first quarter of this year saw geopolitical upheaval of a different sort, as investors have struggled to digest the series of major U.S. policy changes since Inauguration Day.
—
Steve Kopack, NBC news, 31 Mar. 2025
Over the decades, independent historians and ordinary people in China have at times managed to publicly criticize some of the party’s actions—even major upheavals such as the Cultural Revolution—without facing reprisal.
—Ian Johnson, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2025
The process can be fraught with anxiety, insecurity and emotional upheaval for all involved, beyond the person going through it.
—Andrea Kane, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025
The trial — part of a broader upheaval over the prevalence of forgeries in the worlds of art and antiques — is slated to continue into next month.
—Ephrat Livni, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upheaval
Steve Kopack, NBC news, 31 Mar. 2025
Over the decades, independent historians and ordinary people in China have at times managed to publicly criticize some of the party’s actions—even major upheavals such as the Cultural Revolution—without facing reprisal.
—Ian Johnson, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2025
The process can be fraught with anxiety, insecurity and emotional upheaval for all involved, beyond the person going through it.
—Andrea Kane, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025
The trial — part of a broader upheaval over the prevalence of forgeries in the worlds of art and antiques — is slated to continue into next month.
—Ephrat Livni, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upheaval
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upheaval
Noun
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In 1968, amid urban unrest eerily similar to the tensions today, dedicated scholars built institutes such as the Urban Institute and Johns Hopkins’ Center for Metropolitan Planning and Research to bring rigorous evidence to bear on pressing social problems.—
Andrew V. Papachristos,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2025
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Political unrest urged by anti-Trump liberals, coupled with attacks on Tesla vehicles and dealerships due to founder Elon Musk’s close association with the president, appears to be pushing some people to buy guns for self-defense.—
Paul Bedard,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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From climate leadership and architectural innovation to culinary revolutions and cinematic exports, Danish values are increasingly resonating worldwide.—
Stephan Rabimov,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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Political thriller The Translator (2020) explored the early days of the revolution and the decades of oppression that preceded it, through the tale of a political refugee living in Australia who returns to Syria in search of his brother after he is arrested by the authorities for protesting.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Nearly 100 earthquake victims were already waiting for surgery when the team arrived.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Repairs to manufacturing units from the severe impact of the earthquake in February 2023 have been made.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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President Trump’s tariffs cause turmoil among the markets and U.S. allies.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2025
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The new duties, which follow Trump’s previous tariffs on goods from China, Mexico and Canada, are set to raise costs and cause turmoil for countless fashion businesses.—
Marc Bain and Joan Kennedy,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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That led to a developer revolt, a subreddit blackout, and the shutdown of some popular Reddit clients.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
2 Apr. 2025
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The revolt against Tesla is not slowing down, and in some cases people are outright getting rid of their cars.—
Saahil Desai,
The Atlantic,
29 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Fitch cited the January 6th insurrection as a significant concern.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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The exchange comes after the president issued a blanket pardon for nearly all of those charged for the insurrection just hours after returning to the White House.—
Tara Suter,
The Hill,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Otherwise, another popular uprising against him could start.—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
30 Mar. 2025
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Historically, Neptune in Aries brings uprisings and unforeseen changes, with ideologies and thoughts that veer from the status quo.—
Lisa Stardust,
Refinery29,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Earlier in March, at least 40 deaths were recorded during the cross-county storm system with thousands left without electricity from Georgia to Michigan, as per ABC News.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
5 Apr. 2025
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At least eight people have already lost their lives due to the severe storm systems, including a young boy in Frankfort, Ky., who was swept away by floodwaters while walking to his school bus, according to the state's governor, Andy Beshear.—
Alana Wise,
NPR,
5 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Upheaval.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upheaval. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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