overriding

[ oh-ver-rahy-ding ]

adjective

1. taking precedence over all other considerations.

overriding

/ ˌəʊvəˈraɪdɪŋ /

adjective

1. taking precedence

Word History and Origins

Origin of overriding¹

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

Example Sentences

“The overriding feeling was that OK, these are not perhaps being treated with the full level of care and respect that we would want,” he said.

From BBC

The game had seemed in hand at half-time, yet come the final whistle the overriding emotion in Dublin was one of relief.

From BBC

Folt was hired with an overriding mandate to restore trust in the university, which had been rocked by one scandal after another.

From Los Angeles Times

The Supreme Court's conservative majority, overriding the objections of the court's liberal members, allowed Virginia on Wednesday to continue its removal of over 1,600 voters from the rolls.

From Salon

I found Democrats battling insomnia and altering travel plans, Republicans who were friendly to a reporter but suspicious of the mainstream media and an overriding sense of disillusionment.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• main
• paramount
• predominant
• prevailing
• ultimate