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

And as a strategic initiative for Prince Mohammed, CEER is likely to receive strong state support. — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Blanch said Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development strategic reserves have already fallen substantially and physical crude is commanding large premiums over the benchmark futures. — Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026

The combined network will span strategic markets in the Northeast and Canada, Vanguard said. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026

Roberto Pesenti, a member of the family that controls the holding, was appointed head of strategic development in 2025, after joining the company’s investment and development department in 2019. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 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