tactical

adjective

ˈtak-ti-kəl How to pronounce tactical (audio)
Definition of tacticalnext
as in prudent
suitable for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances made the tactical move of becoming friendly with the journalism teacher, hoping that this would get him appointed editor of the school newspaper

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of tactical Instead of flying the drone remotely with individual controls, the F-22 pilot sent high-level tactical instructions that the drone’s onboard autonomy software interpreted and executed. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 Ken Shepard, head of specialty asset management at Bank of America Private Bank said that timberland is not a tactical asset class that can be easily entered or exited in response to short-term market conditions. — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026 Prosecutors allege Paporakis drove to the Hindu temple in Aurora armed with a modified rifle and about 300 rounds of ammunition and equipped with body armor and other tactical gear. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026 For Iran, the technology that originally flowed to Russia is now returning, along with tactical advice drawn from Russia’s experience in Ukraine. — Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tactical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tactical
  1. prudent
  2. desirable
  3. wise
  4. possible
  5. politic
Adjective
  • What might seem like prudent preparation in Washington or Tehran could help bring about the war it is meant to deter.
    — Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
  • In other words, presenting the actual risks — without sensationalism — is prudent.
    — Nicholas Florko, STAT, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of prudent
Adjective
  • The rise of affordable alternatives flips part of that playbook by celebrating the hunt itself, aka the ability to track down desirable products for less.
    — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Others cite potential sharp shifts in drug use behaviors, such as people stopping opioid use because the supply became less desirable through lacing with sedatives such as xylazine and medetomidine.
    — J. Travis Donahoe, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of desirable
Adjective
  • That ranks ninth in the Eastern Conference, expectations wise — and a little shy of the 46 wins Atlanta mustered last time around.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Helen is adept at shifting blame, and a wise woman realizes when she is outgunned.
    — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of wise
Adjective
  • There was palpable excitement, especially after Barringer noted that national Democrats had put the seat on a list of ones to watch for a possible upset.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The embassy said in a statement Monday that partial curfews had been introduced in several French cities, with additional restrictions possible.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of possible
Adjective
  • Coaxing out his talents fell to a more politic peer.
    — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
  • What’s depicted focuses on the advances these early feminists made at the school and in society, and the personal tensions between the relentlessly radical Marks and the more politic Woolley.
    — Manuel Mendoza, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
Definition of politic

Browse Nearby Words

tactic
tactical
tactics
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Cite this Entry

“Tactical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tactical. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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