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.
While the overarching tree debate still has time to play out, existing developments east of Alder Creek are putting immediate pressure on East Bidwell Street. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026 The overarching problem is that the devices can be hard to spot, especially if they’ve been modified to disable their recording light. — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 19 Aug. 2026 The overarching curiosity, though, will be how this defines a key relationship for the club. — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026 Too much intention, too much Trying to Say, too much overarching metaphor, can deaden your work. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for overarching

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