Definition of upheavenext
as in to heave
to lift with effort exactly how the builders of the pyramids at Giza upheaved such massive blocks of stone remains a mystery

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 upheave Manchester by the Sea follows Massachusetts handyman Lee (Casey Affleck), whose life is upheaved by overwhelming personal tragedies. — Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2023 While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has continually pledged to upheave the country's judiciary, numerous protests have been seen against the action in cities across Israel. — Justin Klawans, The Week, 12 Feb. 2023 Watch Out For The Big Grrrls managed to upheave multi-year reality winner RuPaul’s Drag Race. — Rivea Ruff, Essence, 12 Sep. 2022 However, after finishes of third and second in the past two seasons, Kamara believes Pochettino sees no reason to upheave his squad, despite critics arguing the Lilywhites could fall behind their rivals. — SI.com, 28 July 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upheave
Verb
  • Mahomes sprinted to his right to avoid pressure and, a split-second before falling out of bounds, heaved a pass that somehow hit Tyreek Hill in stride for 48 yards.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
  • On fourth-and-21 in the second overtime, Seminoles quarterback Ashton Daniels heaved the ball into the end zone and it was caught by Micahi Danzy for a touchdown — one that was called back after a holding call that Florida State felt didn't exist.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Then it was hoisted up repeatedly to the helicopter where the crew got each person into the aircraft before lowering the basket again.
    — Jaimie Ding, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The song is a dreamy barn-raiser, hoisting this premise on warm guitar tones and a plaintive tone that proves a through-line throughout the record.
    — Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Upheave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upheave. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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