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

For some startups, rapid-fire fundraising is becoming part of the strategic playbook—an effective means of taking on competition. —Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 29 Nov. 2025

Indonesia is a key priority for the French government, and culture is at the heart of the strategic partnership, according to Fabien Penone, French ambassador to Indonesia, Timor Leste and ASEAN. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 29 Nov. 2025

The strikes occurred in a strategic maritime corridor, raising concerns about energy security and navigational safety near Turkey, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025

These groups sit in strategic positions and make bonds easier to break when needed. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 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