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
Florida’s Boca Raton Resort just overhauled its beach club, sinking millions into the makeover.
—Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 5 July 2025
Last summer, the U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority overhauled listing rules in a bid to simplify the process of floating shares on the U.K. market.
—Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 4 July 2025
Since reclaiming the White House, the president has moved aggressively to implement his priorities, from overhauling the federal government to mass deportations.
—Zac Anderson, USA Today, 4 July 2025
Wisconsin’s top Democrats on Capitol Hill are becoming increasingly vocal in pushing back on Musk’s efforts to overhaul the federal government by cutting agencies and forcing out federal employees.
—Lawrence Andrea, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for overhaul
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Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 5 July 2025
Last summer, the U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority overhauled listing rules in a bid to simplify the process of floating shares on the U.K. market.
—Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 4 July 2025
Since reclaiming the White House, the president has moved aggressively to implement his priorities, from overhauling the federal government to mass deportations.
—Zac Anderson, USA Today, 4 July 2025
Wisconsin’s top Democrats on Capitol Hill are becoming increasingly vocal in pushing back on Musk’s efforts to overhaul the federal government by cutting agencies and forcing out federal employees.
—Lawrence Andrea, jsonline.com, 3 July 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 8 Jul. 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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