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.
Systemic describes what relates to or affects an entire system, be that system physical, organizational, or societal. 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. Systemic is also used specifically to identify something as fundamental to a predominant social, economic, or political practice.
Synonyms of systematic
Adjective
Examples of systematic in a Sentence
Laura Secor, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026
That is at odds with a much larger systematic review published in The BMJ, formerly known as the British Medical Journal.
—Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 14 June 2026
Crushing KOs or systematic dismantling your opponent are equally rewarding.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
The systematic extirpation of those animals would not occur until the global demand for hides increased and the weapons to shoot their sources spread over the continent.
—Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for systematic
Cite this Entry
“Systematic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/systematic. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
systematic
adjective
Medical Definition
systematic
adjective
