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 But whatever form a peace operation takes, to be effective in the long run it must be anchored in and contribute to an overarching political solution. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2024 Predictably, in a sprawling government that lacks an overarching strategic vision on how to handle the disinformation threat, efforts to address disinformation have made little progress during Biden’s years in office. Nina Jankowicz, Foreign Affairs, 7 Feb. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for overarching 

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 9 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on overarching

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!