overarching

adjective

over·​arch·​ing ˌō-vər-ˈär-chiŋ 

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 benefit

—Bob Katz

Examples of overarching in a Sentence

Computer downtime is an overarching problem in all departments.

Recent Examples on the Web

Its catalog is overarching but many of the materials remain the same. — Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 17 June 2026

Indeed, when pressed about overarching themes that emerged during the programming process this year, crossing borders is much on Och’s mind. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 21 June 2026

In Spielberg’s vision, Margaret is the performer who is required to give of herself, indeed too much of herself, for the needs of the overarching plot and the common good. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 June 2026

Even the would-be bullies benefit from McCarthy’s overarching refusal to flatten people into PSA talking points. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 19 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1720, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overarching

• arching
• marching
• parching