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
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.
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
Every moment the Senate waits to confirm Antoni to overhaul the systemic failures of the BLS is one that risks the stability of global finance and American wealth.
—Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
In April 2024, Bill Nelson, the agency's chief at the time, announced NASA would overhaul the MSR strategy after incorporating new ideas proposed by agency research centers, academia and private industry.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025
House Republicans took up a slate of bills Wednesday aimed at overhauling the criminal justice system in the nation’s capital and reducing the District’s autonomy over its local government.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 11 Sep. 2025
Those procedures ultimately didn’t take place, but federal officials vowed in July to overhaul the nation’s organ donation system.
—Cara Anthony, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overhaul
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Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
In April 2024, Bill Nelson, the agency's chief at the time, announced NASA would overhaul the MSR strategy after incorporating new ideas proposed by agency research centers, academia and private industry.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025
House Republicans took up a slate of bills Wednesday aimed at overhauling the criminal justice system in the nation’s capital and reducing the District’s autonomy over its local government.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 11 Sep. 2025
Those procedures ultimately didn’t take place, but federal officials vowed in July to overhaul the nation’s organ donation system.
—Cara Anthony, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 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 18 Sep. 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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