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.
Indeed, when pressed about overarching themes that emerged during the programming process this year, crossing borders is much on Och’s mind. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 21 June 2026 One word pushes us toward our lived experience; the other pushes us toward an overarching system. — Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2026 Saving for retirement is an overarching goal for most investors but may need to be balanced against near-term goals, such as saving for a down payment on a house or for education needs. — Daniel Kern, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 With no obvious overarching logic governing who is chosen next, the process has become a contest to attract — or avoid — his attention. — Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 30 June 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 10 Jul. 2026.

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for overarching

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