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
Mastering a new skill doesn't need to overhaul your already hectic schedule.
—Rachel Wells, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Both men rented their vehicles on the car rental app Turo.
FBI UNDER FIRE
Republicans, who hope to overhaul the FBI during Trump’s second term, are closely watching as the investigations unfold.
—Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 2 Jan. 2025
Dillingham, in his first season, had to overhaul his roster.
—Doug Haller, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024
Dallas, which worked to overhaul its homeless system, saw a 16% drop in its numbers between 2022 to 2024.
—Michael Casey The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 28 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overhaul 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Rachel Wells, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Both men rented their vehicles on the car rental app Turo.
FBI UNDER FIRE
Republicans, who hope to overhaul the FBI during Trump’s second term, are closely watching as the investigations unfold.
—Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 2 Jan. 2025
Dillingham, in his first season, had to overhaul his roster.
—Doug Haller, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024
Dallas, which worked to overhaul its homeless system, saw a 16% drop in its numbers between 2022 to 2024.
—Michael Casey The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 28 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overhaul
Articles Related to overhaul
Dictionary Entries Near overhaul
Cite this Entry
“Overhaul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhaul. Accessed 21 Jan. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share