overarching

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

ADJECTIVE

encompassing

Synonyms

STRONGEST

overall throughout underlying

STRONG

including

WEAK

ambient encircling enveloping overshadowing surrounding

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 one overarching objective for him was to remove sanctions to improve the economy of the Islamic Republic,” said Enrique Mora, the Spanish diplomat who chaired talks on reviving the nuclear deal from 2021.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

On Friday, the court cleared Kejriwal and 23 others, saying there was "no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent in the excise policy".

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

“It can be a nice overarching tool that can allow you to kind of simplify your bill-paying,” Schulz said.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

Some users openly expressed support for her online, while others voiced discontent over her exit -- revealing a rare crack in the state's overarching control.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

Yet somehow for the period of your existence they will answer to a single overarching impulse: to keep you you.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson