Search Dictionary
Definition of upheaval

upheaval

/ʌpˈhiːvəl/
up · heav · al
Plural:upheavals
JUMP TO:

upheaval Lexical Profile

upheaval Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A violent or sudden change or disruption to an established system, state, or condition.

Example

"The sudden corporate restructuring caused significant upheaval across all departments."

2

An upward movement or lifting of part of the Earth's crust.

Example

"The mountain range was formed millions of years ago by a massive geological upheaval."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for upheaval
Antonyms
View all antonyms for upheaval

• Rhymes for upheaval

• Nearby Words

upgradable
upgrade
upgrader
upheaval
uphill
uphold
upholder

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century from the verb 'upheave' and the suffix '-al', originally coined as a geological term describing the upward displacement of the Earth's crust before taking on its figurative sense of social or political disruption.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Upheaval. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/upheaval
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.