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
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
Early military gains give way to a larger strategic mess.
—
Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Markets, allies, and lawmakers will be watching closely for signs that the conflict is shifting from punitive strikes toward longer‑term control of strategic infrastructure.
—Steve Mollman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
The United States, China and the European Union have committed billions of dollars to quantum research and development, aiming to secure strategic advantages in computing and cybersecurity.
—Dylan Butts,matthew Chin, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
Not just a strategic badge that leaves them exposed when politics shifts.
—Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for strategic
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Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Markets, allies, and lawmakers will be watching closely for signs that the conflict is shifting from punitive strikes toward longer‑term control of strategic infrastructure.
—Steve Mollman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
The United States, China and the European Union have committed billions of dollars to quantum research and development, aiming to secure strategic advantages in computing and cybersecurity.
—Dylan Butts,matthew Chin, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
Not just a strategic badge that leaves them exposed when politics shifts.
—Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for strategic
Cite this Entry
“Strategic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strategic. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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