thematic

adjective

the·​mat·​ic thi-ˈma-tik 

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

thematically

thi-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of thematic in a Sentence

the thematic development in the story

Recent Examples on the Web

Starting with his Springsteen on Broadway residency in 2017, Springsteen has preferred a more rigid set that tells a thematic story through his song catalog. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 8 Apr. 2026

Unfortunately, the film is essentially a vacuum with no sense of intrigue or urgency — there's practically no character development, thematic weight, artistic innovation, emotional resonance, or narrative thrust. —Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Apr. 2026

Other times there are thematic elements like film noir. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026

In the meantime, these EPs function as raw, thematic snapshots from a band long-known for processing both the world and its place therein. —Spin Staff, SPIN, 3 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek thematikos, from themat-, thema theme

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing thematic

• thematic apperception test

Rhymes for thematic

• asthmatic
• chromatic
• climatic
• dogmatic
• dramatic
• ecstatic
• emphatic
• erratic
• eustatic
• fanatic
• hepatic
• lymphatic