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

Iranian state media reported explosions being heard on the islands of Qeshm and Hengam in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and in the nearby mainland area of Bandar Abbas. — Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026

Iran operates strategic military infrastructure there, including an underground missile facility and a naval base. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026

Group sales at Hugo Boss dropped 5% year-on-year on a constant currency basis in the third quarter of 2026, attributed to an ongoing strategic turnaround and macroeconomic factors. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026

Progressives see centrists’ strategic competition frame as excessively hawkish and as a self-fulfilling prophecy. — Thomas Wright, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 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