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.
Overall, the military was the overarching theme encompassing the excavation. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026 The gnarly riffs and polished guitar tones across last year’s Bees in the Bonnet occasionally leaned into the jazzy or minimal, but the overarching sheen was of a retro rock machismo. Joshua Minsoo Kim, Pitchfork, 24 Apr. 2026 All these strengthen the overarching spirit of community at Kukuiʻula, creating memories that span generations and last forever. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026 There are now 29 properties in the portfolio, all positioned intentionally and with an overarching purpose—to care for the land, wildlife, and people in specific areas of the world. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 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 29 Apr. 2026.

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