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 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.
The overarching lesson is that AI should amplify human expertise and redesign work for value creation, fostering human-agent collaboration rather than simply replacing personnel. Brian Solis, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 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 Even the would-be bullies benefit from McCarthy’s overarching refusal to flatten people into PSA talking points. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 19 June 2026 The Waste Land’s overarching theme was the disillusionment and disgust of the period after World War I (1914–18). René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 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

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Cite this Entry

“Overarching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overarching. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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