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
Economists are puzzled to see Trump trying to overhaul the existing economic order and doing it so soon after inheriting the strongest economy in the world.
—Time, 9 Apr. 2025
Before the war, Mr. Biden also pressured the Israeli prime minister to temper his efforts to overhaul his country’s judicial system, a plan that critics called a blatant power grab and an existential threat to Israel’s liberal democracy.
—Michael D. Shear, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
After 18 seniors graduated in 2023, the Blue Devils had to overhaul their varsity roster and called upon McCarthy to pitch regularly.
—Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Here's what to know about the Mega Millions overhaul that debuts ahead of Tuesday’s drawing.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overhaul
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Time, 9 Apr. 2025
Before the war, Mr. Biden also pressured the Israeli prime minister to temper his efforts to overhaul his country’s judicial system, a plan that critics called a blatant power grab and an existential threat to Israel’s liberal democracy.
—Michael D. Shear, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
After 18 seniors graduated in 2023, the Blue Devils had to overhaul their varsity roster and called upon McCarthy to pitch regularly.
—Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Here's what to know about the Mega Millions overhaul that debuts ahead of Tuesday’s drawing.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 7 Apr. 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 23 Apr. 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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