overarching

adjective

over·​arch·​ing ˌō-vər-ˈär-chiŋ How to pronounce overarching (audio)
Synonyms of overarchingnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The debacle played out in the eye of the public as NASA officials weighed how to balance overarching goals for the Starliner vehicle with the safety of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026 But maybe in a film as deeply personal as this, in which grief is the glue that binds each scene together, there needn’t be an overarching theme or narrative beyond the desire for remembrance. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026 The jury acquitted Madigan of several other schemes alleged in the indictment and deadlocked on other counts, including the overarching racketeering charge. Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026 The album, originally released on March 8, 1974, showed the band focusing more on making grand, overarching statements than on the previous year’s Queen. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overarching

Word History

First Known Use

1720, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overarching was in 1720

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Cite this Entry

“Overarching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overarching. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

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