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
Gukesh’s calm at the board was buttressed by an unusual focus in his training, on psychology, alongside the more traditional tactical and strategic instruction.
—
Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
The Broncos chose to be strategic, their offseason a laser, not a crabbing net.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
The low fundraising numbers could signal danger for the two campaigns, according to McCuan, who said donors are often strategic with their dollars.
—Grace Hase, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026
The standoff around the strait continues The price of Brent crude oil, the international standard, is still nearly 50% higher than when the war began because of Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which a fifth of the world’s oil passes in peacetime.
—Munir Ahmed, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for strategic
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Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
The Broncos chose to be strategic, their offseason a laser, not a crabbing net.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
The low fundraising numbers could signal danger for the two campaigns, according to McCuan, who said donors are often strategic with their dollars.
—Grace Hase, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026
The standoff around the strait continues The price of Brent crude oil, the international standard, is still nearly 50% higher than when the war began because of Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which a fifth of the world’s oil passes in peacetime.
—Munir Ahmed, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 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 28 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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