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
Dellinger's firing came as part of the president's efforts to overhaul the federal government and reduce its size and spending.
—Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2025
Yesterday, Senate Republicans were quick to give Elon Musk a standing ovation in the House chamber as President Trump heaped praise on his efforts to overhaul the federal government.
—Jess Bidgood, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2025
The United States has repeatedly pressured Germany to increase its defense spending to overhaul a military that has felt neglected since the end of the Cold War and diverted weapons to support Ukraine in the war against Russia.
—Reuters, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025
Two years ago, Newsom rolled out plans to overhaul the law in order to speed up the approval of big, infrastructure projects.
—Calmatters, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overhaul
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Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2025
Yesterday, Senate Republicans were quick to give Elon Musk a standing ovation in the House chamber as President Trump heaped praise on his efforts to overhaul the federal government.
—Jess Bidgood, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2025
The United States has repeatedly pressured Germany to increase its defense spending to overhaul a military that has felt neglected since the end of the Cold War and diverted weapons to support Ukraine in the war against Russia.
—Reuters, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025
Two years ago, Newsom rolled out plans to overhaul the law in order to speed up the approval of big, infrastructure projects.
—Calmatters, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overhaul
Articles Related to overhaul
Cite this Entry
“Overhaul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhaul. Accessed 13 Mar. 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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