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Synonyms

systematic

American  
[sis-tuh-mat-ik] / ˌsɪs təˈmæt ɪk /
Sometimes systematical

adjective

  1. having, showing, or involving a system, method, or plan.

    a systematic course of reading; systematic efforts.

  2. given to or using a system or method; methodical.

    a systematic person.

  3. arranged in or comprising an ordered system.

    systematic theology.

  4. concerned with classification.

    systematic botany.

  5. pertaining to, based on, or in accordance with a system of classification.

    the systematic names of plants.


systematic British  
/ ˌsɪstɪˈmætɪk /

adjective

  1. characterized by the use of order and planning; methodical

    a systematic administrator

  2. comprising or resembling a system

    systematic theology

  3. Also: systematicalbiology of or relating to the taxonomic classification of organisms

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See orderly.

Other Word Forms

  • intersystematic adjective
  • intersystematical adjective
  • nonsystematic adjective
  • nonsystematical adjective
  • oversystematic adjective
  • oversystematicness noun
  • presystematic adjective
  • quasi-systematic adjective
  • systematically adverb
  • systematicness noun
  • unsystematic adjective
  • unsystematical adjective

Etymology

Origin of systematic

First recorded in 1670–80; from Late Latin systēmaticus, from Greek systēmatikós, equivalent to systēmat- (stem of sýstēma ) “system” + -ikos adjective suffix; system, -ic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Earnings alone could push the market significantly higher if we can remove some of the systematic risk and refocus on company fundamentals.”

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

There’s no way to know how widespread or systematic those concentrations are without technical reports disclosing a project’s mineral contents and quality, he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

In total, researchers combined results from fourteen systematic reviews conducted between 2014 and 2023, making the evidence easier to interpret and compare.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

"These apparently systematic crimes need an urgent and coordinated police investigation," he added.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

Back at the compound, they had dug in a systematic order, row upon row, allowing space for the water truck.

From "Holes" by Louis Sachar