thematic

adjective the·mat·ic \ thi-ˈma-tik \

Updated on: 28 Feb 2018

Definition of thematic

1 : of, relating to, or constituting a theme

2 a : of or relating to the stem of a word

b of a vowel : being the last part of a word stem before an inflectional ending

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thematically

play \thi-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See thematic defined for English-language learners

Examples of thematic in a Sentence

the thematic development in the story

Recent Examples of thematic from the Web

Only in retrospect did historians and veterans begin to equate the various wars around the world between 1939 (or perhaps as early as 1931–1937 in the case of Japan) and 1945 as part of a thematic conflict.

— victor davis hanson, National Review, "The Deadly Cost of Mutual Misunderstanding," 18 Oct. 2017
This thematic opposition, extraordinarily, was at the crux of The Lego Movie, which, in its casual smashing together of figures from across the pop monoculture, felt like actual childhood play.

— gabriel roth, Slate Magazine, "The Lego Batman Movie," 8 Feb. 2017
Goodbye Christopher Robin ☆☆☆☆ Rated: PG for thematic elements, some bullying, war images, brief language.

— mick lasalle, idahostatesman, "‘Goodbye Christopher Robin’ is a beautiful, exquisite film," 2 Nov. 2017
The appearance of eggs led to a larger thematic exploration, not the other way around.

— joe fassler, The Atlantic, "What Writers Can Learn From Goodnight Moon," 27 Sep. 2017
But there’s a satisfying honesty to this thematic bluntness.

— lydia kiesling, Slate Magazine, "If “The End of Men” Were a Novel," 17 Aug. 2017
The thematic link is that both stories supposedly rip the mask off the Dark Face of Suburbia.

— kyle smith, National Review, "George Clooney’s Latest Oscar Bait," 26 Oct. 2017
Goodbye Christopher Robin’ ☆☆☆ Rated PG for thematic elements, some bullying, war images and brief language.

— moira macdonald, kansascity, "The story of Pooh and his pal Christopher Robin | The Kansas City Star," 26 Oct. 2017
Join Sayed Naimi and Howard Olivier to discuss thematic stages of experience in Persian poet Rumi’s poetry.

— idahostatesman, "Meet Boise’s best-selling author Cynthia Hand and have her sign her new book," 22 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'thematic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of thematic

Greek thematikos, from themat-, thema theme

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First Known Use: 1697

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THEMATIC Defined for English Language Learners

thematic

adjective

Definition of thematic for English Language Learners

: of or relating to a theme

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thematic

Definition of thematic

thematically

Examples of thematic in a Sentence

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Origin and Etymology of thematic

THEMATIC Defined for English Language Learners

thematic

Definition of thematic for English Language Learners

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thematically

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