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

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

According to Stevenson, stylistically, this could resemble a Floyd Mayweather vs. Emanuel Augustus-type bout more than a strategic chess match. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

Once relegated to cost control, procurement must now become a strategic nerve center. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 10 July 2025

Beneath the headlines, something more strategic is unfolding: a realignment of U.S. influence grounded in private-sector diplomacy and transactional power. —Yohann Ripert, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2025

His statesmanship has been shrewd, strategic and inspiring. —John T. Shaw, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025

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