tactical

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adjective tac·ti·cal \ˈtak-ti-kəl\

: of, relating to, or used for a specific plan that is created to achieve a particular goal in war, politics, etc.

Full Definition of TACTICAL

1

:  of or relating to combat tactics: 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: 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

— tac·ti·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

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Examples of TACTICAL

1. They gained a tactical advantage by joining with one of their competitors.
2. He made a serious tactical error.
3. The planes provided tactical air support for the soldiers on the ground.

First Known Use of TACTICAL

1570

Related to TACTICAL

Synonyms

advisable, desirable, judicious, politic, prudent, expedient, wise

Antonyms

impolitic, imprudent, inadvisable, inexpedient, injudicious, unwise

Related Words

advantageous, beneficial, profitable; useful, utilitarian; feasible, possible, practicable, practical; opportune, seasonable, timely; opportunistic, self-seeking

Near Antonyms

impractical, profitless, unfeasible, unprofitable; inopportune, unseasonable, untimely

Other Military Terms

bivouac, logistics, petard, salient, sally, supernumerary

Rhymes with TACTICAL

practical