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

Lawmakers are overhauling the welfare 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

• 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

Republican lawmakers have since called on Underly to overhaul the DPI's approach to investigating teacher licensing to be more transparent. —Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 2025

First, in form, there is no passive approach to finding, overhauling and selling a jet engine, for example. —Mike Terwilliger, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025

Portugal, once famous for its welcoming Golden Visa, overhauled the program in 2023. —Meagan Drillinger, AFAR Media, 23 Oct. 2025

The e-commerce giant is planning to add about 40 next-generation robotics warehouses by the end of 2027 and has already begun overhauling old fulfillment centers, per the report. —Pia Singh, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for overhaul

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

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