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 authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 studies on cold-water immersion.
—
Maggie O'Neill, Health, 8 Feb. 2025
The systematic dismantling of the 63-year-old agency is a stark contrast to its history of bipartisan support for funding programs like PEPFAR, created by President George W. Bush and credited with saving some 25 million lives.
—Fatma Tanis, NPR, 7 Feb. 2025
The risk of runway incursions demands immediate attention and systematic intervention.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
Results of a systematic review and meta-analysis show that cinnamon supplementation can impact obesity such measurements of obesity as body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and fat mass when administered for periods longer than 12 weeks.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for systematic 
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.
Maggie O'Neill, Health, 8 Feb. 2025
The systematic dismantling of the 63-year-old agency is a stark contrast to its history of bipartisan support for funding programs like PEPFAR, created by President George W. Bush and credited with saving some 25 million lives.
—Fatma Tanis, NPR, 7 Feb. 2025
The risk of runway incursions demands immediate attention and systematic intervention.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
Results of a systematic review and meta-analysis show that cinnamon supplementation can impact obesity such measurements of obesity as body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and fat mass when administered for periods longer than 12 weeks.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 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 16 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share