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

In El-Obeid, a strategic trade and aid hub that is home to more than half a million people, many now fear what comes from the sky. — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Morocco also offers American investors a rare combination of political stability, strategic geographic positioning and access to more than 2 billion consumers through its FTAs. — Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 19 July 2026

Debbie Dolgin, director of strategic philanthropy in the American Friends of Magen David Adom western region, said the project was spearheaded by the Goldhirsh-Yellin Foundation’s president, Elizabeth Goldhirsh-Yellin. — Caroline Zimmerman july 17, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026

Trump has also mused about taking control of the strait by force, possibly by seizing one or more strategic islands held by Iran. — ABC News, 18 July 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