tactic

noun

tac·tic | \ ˈtak-tik

Definition of tactic

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a device for accomplishing an end

2 : a method of employing forces in combat

tactic

adjective

Definition of tactic (Entry 2 of 3)

: of or relating to arrangement or order

-tactic

adjective combining form

Definition of -tactic (Entry 3 of 3)

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

Examples of tactic in a Sentence

Noun

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

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Regardless of the opponent, Mourinho could concoct a specific tactic to neutralise even the best players in the world, and his players were all good enough to put those plans into action. — SI.com, "Jose Mourinho: The 'Special One' Who Shattered Records All Over Europe," 6 Aug. 2019 Keeping customers interested To stand out amid the crowd, chains are trying new tactics—such as turning to the kids themselves for inspiration. — Jordyn Holman, Fortune, "Sales Are So Common, Are They Meaningless?," 6 Aug. 2019 Many investors and CEOs agree with the US administration's complaints about China's trade tactics, including the use of non-tariff trade barriers and theft of intellectual property. — Matt Egan, CNN, "Goldman Sachs thinks the trade war will drag on until after the 2020 election," 6 Aug. 2019 However, many land owners have tried various tactics, including poisoning and shooting, in order to clear the animals off their properties. — Peter Dawson, Houston Chronicle, "Texas prairie dogs get a new home on the range," 5 Aug. 2019 Police find abundant evidence that shooters have studied previous crimes, often mimicking gestures or killing tactics, as if in homage to previous killers. — Benedict Carey, BostonGlobe.com, "Copycats, video games, mental illness: What we know about mass shootings," 5 Aug. 2019 Authorities also suspended internet services on cellphones, a common tactic to prevent anti-India demonstrations from being organized and to stop the dissemination of news. — Washington Post, "Security lockdown in place in Indian-controlled Kashmir," 5 Aug. 2019 Authorities also suspended internet services on cellphones, a common tactic to prevent anti-India demonstrations from being organized and to stop the dissemination of news. — NBC News, "India's government revokes disputed Kashmir's special status," 5 Aug. 2019 The coaches’ conversation could include the game’s tactics, an issue a coach is dealing with in their club’s front office or a player’s possible availability in a trade. — Andy Greder, Twin Cities, "Over wine, Loons’ Adrian Heath establishes ‘brotherhood’ with fellow coaches," 3 Aug. 2019

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.

History and Etymology for tactic

Noun

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

Adjective

New Latin tacticus, from Greek taktikos

Adjective combining form

Greek taktikos

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Dictionary Entries near tactic

Statistics for tactic

Last Updated

10 Aug 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for tactic

The first known use of tactic was in 1640

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More Definitions for tactic

tactic

noun

English Language Learners Definition of tactic

: an action or method that is planned and used to achieve a particular goal

: the activity or skill of organizing and moving soldiers and equipment in a military battle

See the full definition for tactic in the English Language Learners Dictionary

tactic

noun

tac·tic | \ ˈtak-tik

Kids Definition of tactic

: a planned action for some purpose “All that kid does is cry and he gets his way.” … “If I tried that tactic, my parents would just say, ‘Grow up.’ …”— Pam Zollman, Don't Bug Me!