program music

noun

A form of art music, generally without vocal parts, that attempts to convey a scene, image, or mood.

Similar
tone paintingtext paintingword paintingprogramme music
Opposite
absolute music
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Meanings

nounprogram music (uncountable)

alternative programme music

  1. uncountableentertainmentA form of art music, generally without vocal parts, that attempts to convey a scene, image, or mood.

    Synonyms: tone painting, text painting, word painting · Antonyms: absolute music

Synonyms & antonyms

nounA form of art music, generally without vocal parts, that attempts to convey a scene, image, or mood.

Similar
tone paintingtext paintingword painting
Opposite
absolute music

More synonyms by meaning

nounmusical compositions intended to evoke images or remind the listener of events

Similar
programme music
Broader
musical compositionopuscomposition

Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

Translations

Finnish ohjelmamusiikki
  • ohjelmamusiikkiform of art music
French musique à programme
  • musique à programmeform of art music
German Programmmusik
  • Programmmusikform of art music
Polish muzyka programowa
  • muzyka programowaform of art music
Cite this entry
APA

program music. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/program%20music

MLA

“program music.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/program%20music. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “program music,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/program%20music.

Source: program music on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.