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
One significant difference in the House bill is a provision that would overhaul the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, a major housing program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
—Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 10 Feb. 2026
The regulations were also heavily overhauled going into this season, ranging from the engines and aerodynamics to the car’s size and weight.
—Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Today, Pet Parent is positioned as a turnkey option for communities and organizations seeking to modernize pet registration and engagement without overhauling existing structures.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Mendoza’s staff has been overhauled and some of the most prominent voices in the clubhouse departed.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overhaul
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Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 10 Feb. 2026
The regulations were also heavily overhauled going into this season, ranging from the engines and aerodynamics to the car’s size and weight.
—Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Today, Pet Parent is positioned as a turnkey option for communities and organizations seeking to modernize pet registration and engagement without overhauling existing structures.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Mendoza’s staff has been overhauled and some of the most prominent voices in the clubhouse departed.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overhaul
Cite this Entry
“Overhaul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhaul. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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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