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

Beyond the shimmying visit, the mystery of who killed Victor is expected to motor the sophomore season’s overarching storyline, including digging into people from the corrupt politician’s shady past. — Emily Krauser, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026

Her position is that success is not necessarily measured in how many policies are adopted, especially if the overarching goal is to repair people’s trust in democracy and in each other. — Esther King, The Dial, 15 Sep. 2026

The overarching takeaway is that all of these discussions continue to feed and shape our program. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Most craft-beer bar owners and their staffers care not just about what’s in the glass, but the overarching community that’s been forged by enthusiasm for artisanal ales and lagers. — Brandon Hernandez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1720, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overarching

• arching
• marching
• parching