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
Return to the game’s original map and graphics, the floating loot system, the more basic movement and get rid of redeploys, making map traversal slower and more tactical.
—
Erik Kain, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Her coach, Conchita Martínez, not only has a fantastic tactical mind but is widely considered to be a real adult—not always a given in pro tennis.
—Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
McKinley was a man whose probity, caution, and incrementalism shrouded his analytical adroitness and tactical boldness.
—Robert W. Merry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
James Vowles On Albon And Sainz, F1 75 Appearance, AI In F1, And Atlassian Partnership
Rather than focusing on individual performance, Vowles said that Williams will be adopting team-first approach in 2025, and that will dictate their tactical decision-making during race weekends.
—Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tactical
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Erik Kain, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Her coach, Conchita Martínez, not only has a fantastic tactical mind but is widely considered to be a real adult—not always a given in pro tennis.
—Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
McKinley was a man whose probity, caution, and incrementalism shrouded his analytical adroitness and tactical boldness.
—Robert W. Merry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
James Vowles On Albon And Sainz, F1 75 Appearance, AI In F1, And Atlassian Partnership
Rather than focusing on individual performance, Vowles said that Williams will be adopting team-first approach in 2025, and that will dictate their tactical decision-making during race weekends.
—Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 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 18 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share