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

Ukrainian units are defending some 20% of Donetsk, including a belt of strategic industrial towns such as Slaviansk and Kramatorsk. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

In retrospect, Moscow never realized the full strategic potential of its access to Tartus, which dates back to the early 1970s. — Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

The former is the principal strategic version; the latter is the much lower-yield version introduced to provide a more limited nuclear option. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 23 Aug. 2026

The officials said the work would focus on identifying the most strategic projects, securing financing and establishing roles for French companies. — Arkansas Online, 23 Aug. 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