strategic

adjective

stra·​te·​gic strə-ˈtē-jik 

1

: of, relating to, or marked by strategy

a strategic retreat

2

a

: necessary to or important in the initiation, conduct, or completion of a strategic plan

The hill is located at a strategic position.

b

: required for the conduct of war and not available in adequate quantities domestically

strategic materials

c

: of great importance within an integrated whole or to a planned effect

emphasized strategic points

3

: designed or trained to strike an enemy at the sources of its military, economic, or political power

a strategic bomber

strategical

strə-ˈtē-ji-kəl 

adjective

strategically

strə-ˈtē-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of strategic in a Sentence

The bridges have great strategic value.

The hill is located at a strategic position.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Houthis recently captured the strategic port city of Mokha and several Red Sea islands, extending their reach toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a maritime route through which about 12% of global trade passes. — Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026

But expanding domestic and allied capacity to manufacture the most critical medicines and ingredients — and maintain adequate strategic reserves — would dramatically reduce China’s leverage in any future crisis. — Patrick McHenry, STAT, 30 Sep. 2026

Sundance Institute’s documentary film program supports nonfiction storytellers at all stages of their projects and careers via financial, creative and strategic assistance. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026

Aided by Iranian experts, the Houthis stormed down the Red Sea coast earlier in September, capturing the strategic city of Mokha and a number of Red Sea islands, extending their reach to the key maritime waterway of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. — Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for strategic

• geostrategic
• hemiplegic
• quadriplegic

Kids Definition

strategic

adjective

stra·​te·​gic strə-ˈtē-jik 

1

: of, relating to, or showing strategy

strategic value of the position

a strategic retreat

2

a

: required for the conduct of war

strategic supplies

b

: of great importance within a whole or for a planned purpose

mentioned strategic points

3

: designed or trained to strike at what makes an enemy powerful

strategic bomber

strategical

-ji-kəl 

adjective

strategically

-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb