tactic

noun tac·tic \ ˈtak-tik \

|Updated on: 13 Jul 2018

Examples: tactic in a Sentence

Definition of tactic

1 : a device for accomplishing an end

2 : a method of employing forces in combat

See tactic defined for English-language learners

See tactic defined for kids

Examples of tactic in a Sentence

an effective tactic for solving crimes
We may need to change tactics.
a specialist in naval tactics

Recent Examples of tactic from the Web

That, and — at least if the amount of comments on this Instagram post is any indication — giving out bongs signed by the stars of Broad City is a pretty clever campaign tactic.

— refinery29.com, "Cynthia Nixon Takes On President Trump & The White House Over ICE," 9 July 2018
Drifting fresh shad on the flats is a good tactic this time of year.

— tyler mahoney, kansascity, "Fishing report: Holiday week brings plenty of hits, some misses," 4 July 2018
The allegation that contemporary activists expressing ardently peaceful dissatisfaction with the precarious state of American democracy are promoting violence, incivility or worse is a long-running tactic used to stifle change.

— peniel e. joseph, Washington Post, "America’s nonviolent civil rights movement was considered uncivil by critics at the time," 4 July 2018
Despite that, there are a few tactics every fantasy owner should deploy—no matter his or her overall strategy—in every draft, regardless of draft slot, league size, scoring rules or any other factors.

— michael beller, SI.com, "Tips to Help You Ace Any Fantasy Football Draft," 4 July 2018
Infrared is the preferred tactic for detecting microplastics because, as Du explains in her video, the chemical bonds within plastics are good at absorbing infrared.

— david grossman, Popular Mechanics, "12 Year Old Girl Develops Pollution-Detecting Robot To Help Save the Ocean," 26 June 2018
Gaslighting is a tactic of psychological abuse in which the victim is made to doubt their own sanity, only here the abuser is the White House, and the victim is the American people.

— lauren duca, Teen Vogue, "Donald Trump Is Still Gaslighting America. I Really Care. Do u?," 23 June 2018
Stigger said making the secretaries reapply for their job is another union-busting tactic.

— karen caffarini, Post-Tribune, "Labor leaders question removing some Gary school unions," 22 June 2018
Trump’s offensive may yet prove to be a negotiating tactic that threatens economic pain to force deals, rather than a move to a full-blown trade war.

— peter s. goodman, BostonGlobe.com, "With a trade war possible, global economy already feels the effect," 16 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tactic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of tactic

New Latin tactica, from Greek taktikē, from feminine of taktikos

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1640

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

tactic

adjective

Definition of tactic

: of or relating to arrangement or order

Origin and Etymology of tactic

New Latin tacticus, from Greek taktikos

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1871

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

-tactic

adjective combining form

Definition of -tactic

1 : of, relating to, or having (such) an arrangement or pattern

paratactic

2 : showing orientation or movement directed by a (specified) force or agent

geotactic

Origin and Etymology of -tactic

Greek taktikos

TACTIC Defined for English Language Learners

tactic

noun

Definition of tactic for English Language Learners

: an action or method that is planned and used to achieve a particular goal
tactics : the activity or skill of organizing and moving soldiers and equipment in a military battle