overarching

adjective

over·​arch·​ing ˌō-vər-ˈär-chiŋ How to pronounce overarching (audio)
1
: forming an arch overhead
an overarching bower
an overarching bridge
2
: dominating or embracing all else
overarching goals
overarching ambition
projects of overarching public benefitBob Katz

Examples of overarching in a Sentence

Computer downtime is an overarching problem in all departments.
Recent Examples on the Web Storytelling, and stoking a broader awareness of the Indigenous presence in the state, is an overarching aim of the site. Eve Batey, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Mar. 2023 The better focus given to the Artemis missions in the last year have assuaged some of 2021′s warnings, but the panel still considers having multiple contractors at play vs. one overarching lead contractor a risk. Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2023 But the overarching taste of the evening’s results was bitter. Lauren Puckett-Pope, ELLE, 6 Feb. 2023 Although the year just started, Fahn is seeing a transition into a new overarching design style. Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2023 Despite an overarching good versus evil battle, MHA is much more focused on the daily lives of the UA High students and their respective friendships, struggles, and victories. William Goodman, Men's Health, 31 Jan. 2023 Following a single protagonist through an overarching conflict didn’t really apply to this reality. Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 25 Jan. 2023 One of the overarching concerns about the effects of war on nuclear plants is that war degrades safety culture, which is crucial in running a plant. Najmedin Meshkati, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2022 How do your answers align with your existing workplace culture and overarching mission, vision and values? Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overarching.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1720, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overarching was in 1720

Dictionary Entries Near overarching

Cite this Entry

“Overarching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overarching. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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