US Patent 10504586 Semiconductor memory device

According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes memory cells, a word line, bit lines, and a controller. The word line is connected to the memory cells. Each of the lines is connected to the memory cells. In a program operation, while applying a program voltage to the word line, the controller applies a first voltage to a bit line connected to memory cells to which a first data is to be written, applies a second voltage lower than the first voltage to a bit line connected to memory cells to which a second data is to be written, and applies a third voltage lower than the second voltage to a bit line connected to memory cells to which a third data is to be written.