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
Several years ago, FEMA began overhauling how the flood program sets its prices.
—Michael Copley, NPR, 14 July 2025
Official numbers for opening weekend for James Gunn's Superman movie have come in, marking a strong opening that has topped Zack Snyder's 2013 film Man of Steel as Warner Bros. looks to completely overhaul its comic book movie universe.
—Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
The project is overhauling some of the city's existing sewage waste tunnels and is intended to be completed in 2027.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 11 July 2025
The bill was later overhauled to instead focus on the California High-Speed Rail Authority.
—William Melhado
july 11, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2025
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.
Michael Copley, NPR, 14 July 2025
Official numbers for opening weekend for James Gunn's Superman movie have come in, marking a strong opening that has topped Zack Snyder's 2013 film Man of Steel as Warner Bros. looks to completely overhaul its comic book movie universe.
—Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
The project is overhauling some of the city's existing sewage waste tunnels and is intended to be completed in 2027.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 11 July 2025
The bill was later overhauled to instead focus on the California High-Speed Rail Authority.
—William Melhado
july 11, Sacbee.com, 11 July 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 21 Jul. 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