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
Supporters of Charlotte’s plan to overhaul the region’s transportation system are celebrating a flurry of recent progress in the North Carolina General Assembly.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2025
The contests will be closely watched as a measure of whether voters in the shadow of Washington will embrace President Trump’s aggressive effort to overhaul the federal government, or be repelled by it.
—Olivia Diaz, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
Monday’s strike comes several months after French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a comprehensive decade-long plan to overhaul the institution, with upgrades to its aging infrastructure that aim to alleviate issues such as water leaks, temperature swings, and the sheer volume of visitors.
—Blane Bachelor, AFAR Media, 18 June 2025
Questions about a bold agenda In public appearances, Kennedy has outlined what experts describe as an ambitious agenda to overhaul how the U.S. evaluates chemicals, particularly in the realm of food and some consumer products.
—Will Stone, NPR, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for overhaul
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Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2025
The contests will be closely watched as a measure of whether voters in the shadow of Washington will embrace President Trump’s aggressive effort to overhaul the federal government, or be repelled by it.
—Olivia Diaz, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
Monday’s strike comes several months after French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a comprehensive decade-long plan to overhaul the institution, with upgrades to its aging infrastructure that aim to alleviate issues such as water leaks, temperature swings, and the sheer volume of visitors.
—Blane Bachelor, AFAR Media, 18 June 2025
Questions about a bold agenda In public appearances, Kennedy has outlined what experts describe as an ambitious agenda to overhaul how the U.S. evaluates chemicals, particularly in the realm of food and some consumer products.
—Will Stone, NPR, 18 June 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 6 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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