programmatic

American  

[proh-gruh-mat-ik] / ˌproʊ grəˈmæt ɪk /

Sometimes programmatical

adjective

1. of, relating to, consisting of, or resembling program music.

2. of, having, advocating, resembling, or following a plan, policy, or program.

   programmatic art.

3. of, relating to, or employing a computer program.

   The coders found a programmatic solution to automate data processing.

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programmatic British  

/ ˌprəʊɡrəˈmætɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to programme music

2. of or relating to a programme

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Usage

What does programmatic mean? Programmatic is most commonly used to describe things done using a computer program.In computing, a program is a sequence of instructions (called code) that enable a computer to perform a task. Programmatic is used to refer to tasks that can be done in an automated way (using such programs), especially as opposed to tasks that have to be done manually (by a person).Program is a common word that has many other meanings, and programmatic can also refer to anything involving or using a plan.More specifically but less commonly, it can be used to describe something involving program music, which is music intended to convey an impression of a definite series of images, scenes, or events.Example: Instead of reading every cell in the spreadsheet to look for duplicates, you can filter them out programmatically.

Other Word Forms

• nonprogrammatic adjective
• programmatically adverb
• unprogrammatic adjective

Etymology

Origin of programmatic

1895–1900; < Greek programmat- (stem of prógramma ) program + -ic

Example Sentences

The U.K. will sell October 2035 gilts on Tuesday and hold a programmatic tender of January 2056 gilts on Thursday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

These reviews - which can take years - involves discussions about programmatic requirements and potential alternatives.

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2025

“Now, decision makers are giving California a second look because we have made these important programmatic changes that have made us much more competitive with other jurisdictions.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 27, 2025

They’re approachable and engaging, and while she’s working within the recognizable parameters of the classic art film — her stories are elliptical, her authorship unambiguous — there’s nothing programmatic about her work.

From New York Times • Mar. 28, 2024

And something else made it worth throwing in money and programmatic support.

From "A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919" by Claire Hartfield