tactical
adjective
tac·ti·cal
ˈtak-ti-kəl 
1
: of or relating to combat tactics: such as
a(1)
: of or occurring at the battlefront
a tactical defense
a tactical first strike
(2)
: using or being weapons or forces employed at the battlefront
tactical missiles
b
of an air force
: of, relating to, or designed for air attack in close support of friendly ground forces
2
a
: of or relating to tactics: such as
(1)
: of or relating to small-scale actions serving a larger purpose
(2)
: made or carried out with only a limited or immediate end in view
b
: adroit in planning or maneuvering to accomplish a purpose
Examples of tactical in a Sentence
They gained a tactical advantage by joining with one of their competitors.
He made a serious tactical error.
The planes provided tactical air support for the soldiers on the ground.
Recent Examples on the Web
They’re required to see the race from inside the car (immersed in the on-track action), but also from the pits (making tactical adjustments) and from the operations center (where analysts interpret vast streams of data).
—
John Cairney, Sportico.com, 22 Mar. 2025
In contrast, Barca and Atleti have recognizable tactical strategies.
—Brett Koremenos, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
Leadership Development is an Inside-Out Journey For years, leadership development was taught as a tactical journey.
—Tarun Galagali, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
District tactical officers guarding the store’s doorway sprinted into a nearby squad car.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tactical
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John Cairney, Sportico.com, 22 Mar. 2025
In contrast, Barca and Atleti have recognizable tactical strategies.
—Brett Koremenos, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
Leadership Development is an Inside-Out Journey For years, leadership development was taught as a tactical journey.
—Tarun Galagali, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
District tactical officers guarding the store’s doorway sprinted into a nearby squad car.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tactical
Cite this Entry
“Tactical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tactical. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.
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