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.

In the run-up to the Academy Awards, Madigan was not the overarching favorite, but wins at the Critics Choice Awards and the Actor Awards bestowed by the Screen Actors Guild snowballed into Oscars success.

From Barron's • Mar. 15, 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

“That makes pivoting to consumption-led growth the overarching policy priority.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

Lawyers for ANL said in written submissions that the social circles of most of the claimants in the overarching case were "leaky".

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

I glance over at Jane, who's giving Gary a look as Mr. Fortson starts talking about how you can't have Alliances within the Alliance or else there's no overarching Alliance.

From "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" by John Green and David Levithan