overhaul

verb

over·​haul ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl 

overhauled; overhauling; overhauls

transitive verb

1

a

: to examine thoroughly

Our systems of education are being constantly overhauled …

—Saturday Rev.

b(1)

: repair

The mechanic overhauled the engine.

(2)

: to renovate, remake, revise, or renew thoroughly

The town librarians are overhauling the summer reading program.

2

: to haul or drag over

3

: overtake

The most imposing U.S. swimmer was overhauled by a 17-year-old Australian in the butterfly race.

overhaul

ˈō-vər-ˌhȯl 

noun

Synonyms of overhaul

• catch
• overtake
• chase
• reach
• pursue

Examples of overhaul in a Sentence

The mechanic overhauled the car's engine.

They had to overhaul their original plans.

Lawmakers are overhauling the welfare program.

Recent Examples on the Web

As Netflix prepares to overhaul its film and TV offerings under new content chief Peter Rice, the streaming giant is launching a new brand campaign to try and persuade its users to keep tuning in. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2026

This initiative would overhaul recall elections by allowing officials removed from office to run in the same election to replace themselves. — Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2026

The bill would overhaul federal permitting and environmental-review processes for energy and infrastructure projects. — Steve Mollman, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026

The case was brought under a federal law that was overhauled and expanded in 2019 by the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act. — Cbs Minnesota, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for overhaul

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• gossypol

Kids Definition

overhaul

verb

over·​haul ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl 

1

: to make a thorough examination of and make necessary repairs and adjustments on

overhaul an engine

2

: overtake sense 1a

overhaul

ˈō-vər-ˌhȯl 

noun