overriding

adjective

over·​rid·​ing ˌō-vər-ˈrī-diŋ How to pronounce overriding (audio)
ˌō-və-
: chief, principal
an overriding concern

Examples of overriding in a Sentence

We have one overriding concern. The weather is the overriding factor in deciding whether to cancel the picnic.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The students get course credit, though anthropology major Maddy Thomas said there’s an overriding sense of purpose. Michael Hill, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2024 But the overriding Republican response to rural skeptics has been a political threat: Get with the program on vouchers, or else. Alec MacGillis, ProPublica, 1 July 2024 Naming a demon has a way of stripping it of its power, and that may become an overriding theme this month. Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 June 2024 National security has emerged as an overriding priority, newly shaping a broad variety of policies, especially economic ones. Evan S. Medeiros, Foreign Affairs, 24 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overriding 

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overriding was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near overriding

Cite this Entry

“Overriding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overriding. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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