overhaul
verb
over·haul
ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl 
overhauled; overhauling; overhauls
1
a
: to examine thoroughly
Our systems of education are being constantly overhauled …—
Saturday Rev.
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.
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
Given his close association with Chiuri, the brand’s visual language will likely be overhauled next year.
—Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 14 Nov. 2025
Munro pointed to changes made at BBC Arabic, including overhauling its Press Review item — which collates media reporting from the Middle East — and bolstering editorial leadership and accountability at the service.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2025
Despite the compromise, most Democrats have been worried the vote to extend Obamacare tax credits would fail because many Republicans in the House and Senate are opposed to an extension unless the program is overhauled.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025
Doing so would cause long delays, because the systems set up to distribute benefits would need to be overhauled to release a smaller amount.
—Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 9 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overhaul
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Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 14 Nov. 2025
Munro pointed to changes made at BBC Arabic, including overhauling its Press Review item — which collates media reporting from the Middle East — and bolstering editorial leadership and accountability at the service.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2025
Despite the compromise, most Democrats have been worried the vote to extend Obamacare tax credits would fail because many Republicans in the House and Senate are opposed to an extension unless the program is overhauled.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025
Doing so would cause long delays, because the systems set up to distribute benefits would need to be overhauled to release a smaller amount.
—Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 9 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overhaul
Cite this Entry
“Overhaul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhaul. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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