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. plans to sell gilts maturing in June 2032 by programmatic tender on Tuesday, followed by an auction of October 2035 gilts on Wednesday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

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

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2025

“If you don’t agree with these solutions, that’s fine. What specific proposals would you offer up to offset that in terms of programmatic reductions?” he asked of budget critics.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2024

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