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overall, over all

The overused adjective overall can be left out entirely or a more precise synonym can be used instead. Depending on the context, choose one of the following: absolute, aggregate, average, comprehensive, general, supreme, total, or whole.

  • The (overall) goal of the provincial program is full employment.
  • The final figures show an overall (total, absolute, average, general) increase in sales.

The adverb phrase over all expresses the idea of "all things considered," and is written in two words.

  • Over all, I would say the party was a great success.