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 Taylor Swift wedding security ramps up Amidst the barricades already set up, additional officers, units and tactical personnel are expected around the venue. — Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 2026 The statute would ban covered officers from wearing masks or shielding their identities while on duty and interacting with the public, with exceptions including medical masks, religious coverings, certain tactical equipment and hazardous conditions. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 Mike Blake | Reuters Ken Griffin’s Citadel posted positive returns across its various hedge fund strategies in the first half of 2026, led by double-digit gains in its tactical trading and equities funds. — Yun Li, CNBC, 2 July 2026 Built for Arctic mobility Unlike conventional tactical vehicles, the CATV was developed specifically for environments where deep snow can stop wheeled vehicles. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tactical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tactical
  1. prudent
  2. desirable
  3. wise
  4. possible
  5. politic
Adjective
  • Not only did the Sabres not have the cap room for either one of those deals, but neither one would have been prudent with Buffalo’s long-term vision in mind.
    — Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • Josh Hawley of Florida and Brian Kemp of Georgia, a little distance might prove prudent.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 1 July 2026
Definition of prudent
Adjective
  • When using chemical methods to kill the shrub, be sure to protect desirable plants from overspray.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 July 2026
  • Instead of looking only for escapements or technical innovation, Newman encourages appreciation of cases, dials, proportions, engraving, and overall design—the same qualities that define today’s most desirable independent watches.
    — Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 3 July 2026
Definition of desirable
Adjective
  • Historically, the spring editions of the Paris men’s trade shows have been less significant business-wise than shows for fall collections, but that is shifting.
    — Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 2 July 2026
  • Still, there are moments when stepping back is the wiser act of stewardship, for both the owner and the business.
    — Scott Hanson, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of wise
Adjective
  • Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
  • The idea behind the lunch- and afternoon tea–only restaurant is to waste as little as possible.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tactical

Nglish: Translation of tactical for Spanish Speakers

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