overarching

/ˌoʊvərˈɑːrtʃɪŋ/

comprehensive

The overarching theme of the novel is redemption.

The main, all‑covering theme of the novel is redemption.

formal

Including or affecting everything; all‑encompassing.

The committee drafted an overarching policy to guide all future projects.

The committee created a single, all‑covering policy for every future project.

Often placed before abstract nouns such as 'policy', 'goal', 'framework'.

Collocations

overarching principlea fundamental rule that applies to everything under considerationoverarching goalthe main, all‑inclusive objectiveoverarching frameworka comprehensive structure that covers all parts

a structure that integrates all components

Place ‘overarching’ directly before the noun it modifies (e.g., ‘overarching strategy’) for clarity.

Reserve ‘overarching’ for ideas, policies, or concepts that truly cover every aspect; don’t use it for single, isolated items.

From the prefix over‑ ‘above, beyond’ + arch‑ from Greek ‘archos’ meaning ‘chief, principal’ + the adjectival suffix –ing.

Use ‘overarching’ when you want to stress that something spans or unites all parts of a larger whole; avoid using it with concrete, countable items.

over‑

above, beyond

prefix

arch

chief, principal

root

English Dictionary