overarching

adjective

over·​arch·​ing ˌō-vər-ˈär-chiŋ How to pronounce overarching (audio)
Synonyms of overarching
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
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.
Neither Halo 4 nor 5 meaningfully evolved the gameplay formula or overarching narrative. — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Mini dresses, strapless lace gowns and more motifs spotlighted that overarching gist, building on the Australian brand’s signature design cues. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 While Abrams and Brolin were able to bring the emotional gravitas to flashback scenes chronicling key moments in their frayed relationship, shooting the in-whale scenes was the overarching creative challenge. — William Earl, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026 Atmospheric fluctuations on shorter weekly or daily scales, such as sudden stratospheric warming events, polar vortex disruptions, or shifts in the Arctic Oscillation, can temporarily override the overarching El Niño pattern. — Ahmad Bajjey, CBS News, 16 Oct. 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

Rhymes for overarching

See All Rhymes for overarching

Browse Nearby Words

overarch
overarching
overarm
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Cite this Entry

“Overarching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overarching. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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