systematic
adjective
sys·tem·at·ic
ˌsi-stə-ˈma-tik 
1
: relating to or consisting of a system
2
: presented or formulated as a coherent body of ideas or principles
systematic thought
3
a
: methodical in procedure or plan
a systematic approach
a systematic scholar
b
: marked by thoroughness and regularity
systematic efforts
4
: of, relating to, or concerned with classification
specifically
: taxonomic
Systematic and Systemic: Usage Guide
Systematic and systemic both come from system. Systematic is the more common word; it most often describes something that is done according to a system or method
a systematic approach to learning that involves carefully following the program's steps
Systemic describes what relates to or affects an entire system. For example, a systemic disease affects the entire body or organism, and systemic changes to an organization have an impact on the entire organization, including its most basic operations.
Synonyms
Examples of systematic in a Sentence
We used a systematic approach to solve the problem.
She made a systematic study of the evidence.
the systematic production of cars
Recent Examples on the Web
The specific ways in which a pollster collects and analyzes its data can lead to systematic differences between its polls and other pollsters' polls.
—
G. Elliott Morris, ABC News, 28 Jan. 2025
The officer remained anonymous, identifying himself only as Caesar, but experts quickly verified his photographs—documentary proof of systematic brutality.
—Jon Lee Anderson, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
Missouri Republicans have renewed efforts to eliminate initiatives designed to address systematic inequalities in the state as President Donald Trump takes aim at similar diversity programs nationally.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2025
Second, to drive significant growth and reengagement, large systematic change is required.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for systematic 
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G. Elliott Morris, ABC News, 28 Jan. 2025
The officer remained anonymous, identifying himself only as Caesar, but experts quickly verified his photographs—documentary proof of systematic brutality.
—Jon Lee Anderson, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
Missouri Republicans have renewed efforts to eliminate initiatives designed to address systematic inequalities in the state as President Donald Trump takes aim at similar diversity programs nationally.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2025
Second, to drive significant growth and reengagement, large systematic change is required.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for systematic
Articles Related to systematic
Dictionary Entries Near systematic
Cite this Entry
“Systematic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/systematic. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
systematic
adjective
sys·tem·at·ic
ˌsis-tə-ˈmat-ik
1
: relating to or forming a system
systematic thought
2
: presented or worked out as a system
3
: carried out or acting with thoroughness or regularity
systematic efforts
Medical Definition
systematic
adjective
sys·tem·at·ic
ˌsis-tə-ˈmat-ik
: of, relating to, or concerned with classification
specifically
: taxonomic
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