makeover

makeover — noun

1. a process of changing how a person looks or how a room, building, or other place

1.nounB1
Definition

a process of changing how a person looks or how a room, building, or other place appears, usually by giving them new clothes, a new hairstyle, different furniture, or new decorations, with the goal of making them more attractive

Example

Feng got a full makeover before her job interview, including a new haircut and outfit.

collocation: full makeover

The coffee shop underwent a makeover with brighter walls and modern furniture.

passive construction: underwent a makeover

Common collocations
  • full makeover
  • complete makeover
  • home makeover
  • get a makeover
  • undergo a makeover
  • give someone a makeover
Synonyms
  • transformation

    broader — can refer to any type of change, not just appearance

  • overhaul

    often implies fixing problems or improving function, not only looks

Antonyms
  • neglect

    state of being left without care or improvement

2. a thorough process of rebuilding, restructuring, or redesigning something such a

2.nounB2
Definition

a thorough process of rebuilding, restructuring, or redesigning something such as a system, organization, or piece of equipment to make it work better or look completely different, not limited to appearance

Example

The school's makeover included a new library, science labs, and a gymnasium.

collocation: school makeover

Meera's company needed a makeover of its outdated computer network.

Common collocations
  • complete makeover
  • major makeover
  • system makeover
  • makeover of [system/organization]
  • need a makeover
Synonyms
  • renovation

    more common for buildings; implies restoring to good condition

  • overhaul

    emphasizes fixing faults and improving performance

  • revamp

    more informal; suggests updating rather than rebuilding

Usage Note

Used for systems, organizations, or infrastructure — areas where function matters as much as appearance. This sense is broader than sense 1 and often implies a structural or operational overhaul rather than a purely cosmetic change.

makeover — verb

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Makeover' specifically focuses on improving appearance — a person's looks or a place's decor — through changes like new clothes, haircuts, paint, or furniture. 'Transformation' is broader: it can mean any dramatic change in form, nature, or character, not just visual appearance (e.g. 'the company's digital transformation'). 'Renovation' applies almost exclusively to buildings and implies restoring something old or damaged to good condition, with an emphasis on repair and function. 'Overhaul' stresses taking something apart and fixing or rebuilding its internal workings, often for mechanical systems or processes. For example: 'She gave her bedroom a makeover with new curtains and cushions.' 'They renovated the entire house, fixing the roof and rewiring it.' 'Mechanics overhauled the engine, replacing every worn part.'

makeover ↗transformation ↗renovation ↗overhaul

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • get a makeover
  • give someone a makeover
  • undergo a makeover
  • need a makeover
  • makeover of

Prepositions

Etymology

Old English (macian — to make)Old English (ofer — over)Middle English (maken over — to transfer)Modern English (makeover — 1950s)

The noun 'makeover' is formed from the phrasal verb 'make over', which originally (15th century) meant 'to transfer ownership of property' — still preserved in legal English. By the early 1900s, 'make over' had acquired a second meaning: 'to remake or do something again in a different way.' The noun 'makeover' emerged in the mid-20th century, first appearing in beauty magazines to describe a complete change of hairstyle, makeup, and clothing. It gained wide popularity through television shows in the 1980s and 1990s that featured home renovations and personal style transformations, eventually expanding to describe any thorough change or reconstruction.