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

Kennedy has managed to bridge three specific tendencies—toward fiscal conservatism, social liberalism, and a belief that improving societal health is a moral imperative—and present them as one overarching ideology. —Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2025

Longer-term issues also hang in the balance, including whether Hamas will disarm, who will govern and help rebuild Gaza, and the overarching question of Palestinian statehood, which is central for Palestinians and many countries in the region. —NPR, 14 Oct. 2025

There’s an overarching problem as well, added Benton. —Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025

The comment made has been taken out of context, but the overarching theme of this Dolphins team is one of dysfunction. —James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1720, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overarching

• arching
• marching
• parching