Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

overriding

American  
[oh-ver-rahy-ding] / ˌoʊ vərˈraɪ dɪŋ /

adjective

  1. taking precedence over all other considerations.


overriding British  
/ ˌəʊvəˈraɪdɪŋ /

adjective

  1. taking precedence

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of overriding

First recorded in 1820–30; override + -ing 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Rwandans knew the U.S. had an overriding interest in checking Islamic State’s advance in the southern African country, and only Rwanda has proven willing and able to take on the job, the officials said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

That's because the "overriding" threat to streaming services isn't one another - it's YouTube, says Harrington of Enders.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

Others wonder if a CEO may do more harm than good by effectively overriding the usual customer-service channels and protocols.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 24, 2026

The 2026 forecast is the overriding focus point, and although the market expected a decline in revenue and earnings this year due to headwinds, the forecast is weaker than expected, Hansen says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

He recorded the moment in his journal, leavening his relief with the one overriding concern that had lent urgency to the work of all the atomic scientists of those years.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik