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
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.
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
One significantly different measure in the House bill is a provision that would overhaul the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, a major housing program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
—Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 2 Mar. 2026
Nigeria’s response in recent months has included overhauling the military’s top brass and greater openness to working with American intelligence.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Weaver and Williams, who was still owed about sixty million dollars on his contract, were fired, and the roster that Weaver had assembled to support the young core was overhauled.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is overhauling the list of schools that military officers can attend for professional courses and graduate programs.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overhaul
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Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 2 Mar. 2026
Nigeria’s response in recent months has included overhauling the military’s top brass and greater openness to working with American intelligence.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Weaver and Williams, who was still owed about sixty million dollars on his contract, were fired, and the roster that Weaver had assembled to support the young core was overhauled.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is overhauling the list of schools that military officers can attend for professional courses and graduate programs.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overhaul
Cite this Entry
“Overhaul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhaul. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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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