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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of upheaval
This year’s awards were handed out at a time of political upheaval, one that has seen Donald Trump, who most people in the SAG awards audience oppose, return to power.
—
Jordan Moreau, Variety, 23 Feb. 2025
Smith explains that this is a consequence of the general upheaval caused by travel.
—Conor O'Neill, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
The move unleashed political upheaval in Asia’s fourth-largest economy and a top US ally, with the prime minister also impeached and suspended from power, while top military officials were indicted for their part in the matter.
—Reuters, CNN, 20 Feb. 2025
The annual Conservative Political Action Conference is mere days away, with this year’s event starting a few weeks after President Donald Trump’s inauguration and ensuing massive upheaval of the U.S. government.
—Asher Notheis, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upheaval
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upheaval
Noun
-
Political tensions rise over resource allocation, with social unrest more frequent.—
-
Pro-Palestinian sentiments still run strong among the peoples of the region, and history has proven how civil unrest can quickly lead to instability even in nominally stable nations.—
Noun
-
The fusion of blockchain, AI and decentralized governance models is already disrupting some industries, and those who embrace these changes could be at the forefront of the digital revolution.—
-
Syria and Libya are very different countries, but Libya, too, experienced an Arab Spring revolution that pitted multiple armed groups against a longtime dictator.—
Noun
-
Reports of earthquake felt away from source (red star) on February 14, 2025.—
-
It’s believed the oarfish were sent from the palace toward the surface to warn people of earthquakes.—
Noun
-
The changes upended precedent and rattled a media company that has already been shaken by years of turmoil and leadership turnover.—
-
Downsizing, rehiring The confusion echoed the broader turmoil surrounding Trump's return to power.—
Noun
-
Go deeper: Mike Johnson struggles to contain a GOP budget revolt Editor's note: This is a developing story.—
-
Ray, although in his forties, was at one with youth in revolt.—
Noun
-
Far-right extremist groups have been cowed in the last four years by the fallout and prosecutions from the Jan. 6 insurrection, said Katherine Keneally, head of threat analysis and prevention at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue.—
-
That and Bianco’s ties to the Oath Keepers, a far-right, anti-government group whose members took part in the pro-Trump insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.—
Noun
-
Over the last millennium Poland experienced its share of invasions and uprisings against occupying forces.—
-
Some demonstrators called for the 65-year-old Republican to be hanged during that violent uprising.—
Noun
-
Follows a speedy 12-year-old sloth named Laura whose odd sloth family is left homeless by a devastating storm.—
-
In the middle of the expedition, however, a vicious storm began to buffet the ship that had brought them out to sea.—
Cite this Entry
“Upheaval.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upheaval. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share