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
Synonyms
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
Watkins was found guilty of mobilizing her militia group to storm the Capitol in tactical gear.
—
Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
That won’t happen with a piecemeal, tactical approach with bolt on AI tools that enhance an isolated process.
—Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
That fight has seen many tactical wins for the SEC, but is marked by a fundamental strategy that has not held up to legal scrutiny.
—Brady Dale, Axios, 20 Jan. 2025
Despite the game’s tactical focus, Young’s flair for showmanship remains an unavoidable subplot.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for tactical 
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Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
That won’t happen with a piecemeal, tactical approach with bolt on AI tools that enhance an isolated process.
—Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
That fight has seen many tactical wins for the SEC, but is marked by a fundamental strategy that has not held up to legal scrutiny.
—Brady Dale, Axios, 20 Jan. 2025
Despite the game’s tactical focus, Young’s flair for showmanship remains an unavoidable subplot.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for tactical
Dictionary Entries Near tactical
Cite this Entry
“Tactical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tactical. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
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