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
When a mysterious space vessel crash-lands on Earth, a young woman (Sydney Chandler) and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet’s greatest threat.
—
Katie Campione, Deadline, 8 July 2025
Most recently, a gunman in tactical gear opened fire on a Border Patrol facility in Texas.
—Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 8 July 2025
Simultaneously, Norgaard offers defensive cover, primarily through interceptions and positioning, and is not afraid to make crunching tackles and commit tactical fouls.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 7 July 2025
SMBs often expect a tactical provider to give strategic insight or a security provider to also deliver excellent desktop support.
—Nolan Garrett, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for tactical
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Katie Campione, Deadline, 8 July 2025
Most recently, a gunman in tactical gear opened fire on a Border Patrol facility in Texas.
—Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 8 July 2025
Simultaneously, Norgaard offers defensive cover, primarily through interceptions and positioning, and is not afraid to make crunching tackles and commit tactical fouls.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 7 July 2025
SMBs often expect a tactical provider to give strategic insight or a security provider to also deliver excellent desktop support.
—Nolan Garrett, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for tactical
Cite this Entry
“Tactical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tactical. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
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