overriding

adjective

over·​rid·​ing ˌō-vər-ˈrī-diŋ How to pronounce overriding (audio)
ˌō-və-
: chief, principal
an overriding concern

Examples of overriding in a Sentence

We have one overriding concern. The weather is the overriding factor in deciding whether to cancel the picnic.
Recent Examples on the Web But a more overriding concern is McLaren’s less-than-sterling reputation for reliability, and whether or not the 750S can improve on that track record. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2024 But to me, the bigger overriding problem is the lawlessness of the Republic. Gregory Makoff, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2024 The first and overriding duty of the justices is to apply the law as written. The Editors, National Review, 9 Feb. 2024 But Flavio di Giacomo, spokesman for the International Organization for Migration in Rome, said the overriding factor appeared to be the growing number of migrants arriving from Tunisia, which has overtaken Libya as the largest launching point for seaborne migration into Europe. Anthony Faiola, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2023 Rectifying this must be the absolute overriding priority of U.S. efforts in every respect. Time, 14 July 2023 The overriding thought that the Chargers need to bolster the personnel around Justin Herbert is understandable. Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2023 But his overriding instinct is to find ways to be visible. Ian Parker, The New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2023 Earlier this week, top U.S. health officials, medical organizations, laboratory and hospital associations and others issued a statement touting the overriding benefit of the vaccines. Scott Bauer, Star Tribune, 25 June 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overriding.' 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

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overriding was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near overriding

Cite this Entry

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

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