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

Ford said the push to abolish ICE has also helped build support for overhauling the agency. — Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Why is California — the state that basically invented environmental review — about to vote on overhauling part of it? — Kiara Adams, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2026

The proposal would overhaul the country's current healthcare system and shift to a single-payer model that expands on the current federal program for seniors. — Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026

Seven years after the original fp, Sigma’s FP2 keeps the tiny full-frame formula intact while overhauling nearly everything inside it for snappier stills and much more serious video. — New Atlas, 26 Oct. 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