overarching

American  

[oh-ver-ahr-ching] / ˌoʊ vərˈɑr tʃɪŋ /

adjective

1. forming an arch above.

   great trees with overarching branches.

2. encompassing or overshadowing everything.

   The community's overarching needs are more jobs and better housing.

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overarching British  

/ ˌəʊvərˈɑːtʃɪŋ /

adjective

1. overall; all-encompassing

   an overarching concept

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Etymology

Origin of overarching

First recorded in 1710–20; overarch + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Verified videos and eyewitness accounts seen by the BBC appeared to show the government was ramping up its response, as it continues an overarching internet blackout.

From BBC

“My overarching goal is to just be a good influence on younger people and have it built in a way where there’s educational content and help people become more financially literate.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The overarching goal of any agreement, he said, would be to secure peace and revive the Ukrainian economy while deterring any further acts of aggression.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The overarching trend is how many people say what a brilliant bloke he was to bump into."

From BBC

There were voice notes about immense questions, such as: What is the overarching theme of this film?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• overall
• throughout
• underlying