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

While 2025 was a turbulent year—one marked by economic factors and market conditions that heightened the need for information and adaptability—the overarching theme for brands and retailers in 2026 will be focusing on agility and informed decision-making, according to Joor’s recent white paper. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 8 Dec. 2025

A lot of people believe, and Trump feeds this misconception, that there is some overarching media monolith. —Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 5 Dec. 2025

Right now, Elmer says the school's overarching parish does not have financial issues, but that this is a larger market decision. —Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025

All the while, the artist’s overarching dream of a utopian bond between the techno- and organic ponders philosophical tenets that will bind the rest of the century. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1720, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overarching

• arching
• marching
• parching