tactical
adjective
tac·ti·cal
ˈtak-ti-kəl 
1
: of or relating to combat tactics: such as
a(1)
: of or occurring at the battlefront
a tactical defense
a tactical first strike
(2)
: using or being weapons or forces employed at the battlefront
tactical missiles
b
of an air force
: of, relating to, or designed for air attack in close support of friendly ground forces
2
a
: of or relating to tactics: such as
(1)
: of or relating to small-scale actions serving a larger purpose
(2)
: made or carried out with only a limited or immediate end in view
b
: adroit in planning or maneuvering to accomplish a purpose
Examples of tactical in a Sentence
They gained a tactical advantage by joining with one of their competitors.
He made a serious tactical error.
The planes provided tactical air support for the soldiers on the ground.
Recent Examples on the Web
Some assistants are focused on recruiting with little on-court duties while others are given more tactical responsibility.
—
Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
Video posted to social media after the explosion showed police vehicles and people in tactical gear outside the embassy.
—Camille Behnke, NBC news, 8 Mar. 2026
One pilot and one tactical flight officer on board and both were evaluated by the Fort Worth Fire Department for minor injuries and were taken to a local hospital as a precaution, police said.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2026
Having multiple players capable of adapting to various roles allows Hayes the flexibility to fill a roster and make tactical changes more freely.
—Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tactical
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Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
Video posted to social media after the explosion showed police vehicles and people in tactical gear outside the embassy.
—Camille Behnke, NBC news, 8 Mar. 2026
One pilot and one tactical flight officer on board and both were evaluated by the Fort Worth Fire Department for minor injuries and were taken to a local hospital as a precaution, police said.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2026
Having multiple players capable of adapting to various roles allows Hayes the flexibility to fill a roster and make tactical changes more freely.
—Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tactical
Cite this Entry
“Tactical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tactical. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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