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.
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 white minority in South Africa established and perpetuated a culture of apartheid in South Africa for over 40 years until the early 1990s, resulting in systematic oppression, political domination, segregation and discrimination against the predominantly Black population.
—
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 May 2025
Still, rigorous use of reason, systematic data collection and existing science gave us an approach that helped families at a difficult time.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 23 May 2025
In a systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers examined whether strength training or aerobic exercise was better for migraines.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 23 May 2025
Tristan Verhoeff, a volunteer systematic taxonomist at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, went through a long, multi-step process to name the new octopus and verify that it had never been seen before.
—Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for systematic
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 May 2025
Still, rigorous use of reason, systematic data collection and existing science gave us an approach that helped families at a difficult time.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 23 May 2025
In a systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers examined whether strength training or aerobic exercise was better for migraines.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 23 May 2025
Tristan Verhoeff, a volunteer systematic taxonomist at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, went through a long, multi-step process to name the new octopus and verify that it had never been seen before.
—Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for systematic
Cite this Entry
“Systematic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/systematic. Accessed 3 Jun. 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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