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

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working to overhaul the country's air traffic control system in an effort to reduce outages and improve efficiency. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2025

But more conservative members want to see the law overhauled. —Arkansas Online, 12 Dec. 2025

As the final four teams vie for the NCAA men’s soccer College Cup in North Carolina this weekend, work continues on plans to overhaul the college game. —Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 12 Dec. 2025

Made on the Magnificent Mile in 1980, overhauled in 2000, and completely renovated in 2022, the 182-room hotel has remained true to its core ideal of serving as an elegant, residential-feeling retreat for guests. —Amy Tara Koch, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for overhaul

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

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