strategic

adjective

stra·​te·​gic strə-ˈtē-jik How to pronounce strategic (audio)
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 adjective
strategically 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The matches are intense, with powerful throws and strategic grapples, and the crowd's energy adds to the electric atmosphere. NPR, 25 Oct. 2025 Ripple Ripple helped launch XRP, one of five cryptocurrencies Trump has said should be included in a new US crypto strategic reserve. Melanie Hicken, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025 These passive sensors feed data via fiber-optic links to onshore command centers, allowing the Russian Navy to track allied submarines attempting to shadow its strategic assets. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025 Also on the hilltop, archaeologists identified a palace-like structure and extensive defensive structures, including walls and checkpoints at strategic locations, officials said. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strategic

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of strategic was in 1799

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Cite this Entry

“Strategic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strategic. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

strategic

adjective
stra·​te·​gic strə-ˈtē-jik How to pronounce strategic (audio)
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 adjective
strategically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on strategic

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