Definition of tactical
1 : of or relating to combat tactics: such asa (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 missilesb of an air force : of, relating to, or designed for air attack in close support of friendly ground forces
2a : 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 viewb : adroit in planning or maneuvering to accomplish a purpose
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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 of tactical from the Web
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Cubic aims to tap Deltenna’s technology in its defense training and tactical military communications businesses.
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The sheriff's office tactical response team and volunteers from Darlington Volunteer Fire Company were also on standby.
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But to the extent that sheer force can solve a problem like ISIS, the Obama administration’s approach was working just fine: Trump’s changes to the campaign [against ISIS] so far have been tactical—
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Sibanye’s tactical response team has faced gunfire and even grenades in chasing after zama-zamas.
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At 1 a.m., the FBI vehicle, a white 2014 Chevrolet Equinox containing several firearms and tactical gear such as a bulletproof vest, was stolen from a gas station in the 300 block of South Morgan Street, FBI officials wrote in an email.
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President Emmanuel Macron, meeting in Mali with leaders from the five regional countries involved, said France will provide military support for operations as well as 70 tactical vehicles and communications, operations and protective equipment.
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Remarkably, some of the sharpest, tactical games on record were played in postal tournaments.
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Before long, Metro-Dade tactical specialists slipped close, seeking cover behind nearby bushes and behind a red Ford Explorer truck parked in the driveway.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tactical.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of tactical
1570
TACTICAL Defined for English Language Learners
tactical
playDefinition of tactical for English Language Learners
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: of, relating to, or used for a specific plan that is created to achieve a particular goal in war, politics, etc.
Learn More about tactical
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See words that rhyme with tactical Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tactical Spanish Central: Translation of tactical Nglish: Translation of tactical for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of tactical for Arabic speakers
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