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

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.

overhaul

ˈō-vər-ˌhȯl 

noun

Synonyms of overhaul

• 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

While China was once Nike’s fastest-growing region, shoppers are increasingly turning to domestic brands over international ones, while Nike is attempting to overhaul its distribution model in the country. — Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026

Fihla, who took the helm a year ago, has spent his early tenure overhauling the executive team and stabilizing the leadership. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Puja Malhotra, 33, was looking to overhaul her wardrobe after giving birth to her first child. — Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Last month, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, or ACHP, announced its plans to overhaul its regulations for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. — Jane Montanaro, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for overhaul

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

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