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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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 In IconArrows pointing outwards Aside from giving all of us plenty of time and room for overthinking it, this process of constant churn and testing and positioning shocks has done some good, in a tactical sense. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026 The experience is profound for reasons other than pure spatial and tactical wonder. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026 But organizations should resist the temptation to treat every new development as another reason to launch another tactical program, buy more technology and, in the end, simply create more complexity. — Jc Gaillard, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Exod With help from stakes and guy lines, the air beams then hold the tent fabric high and taut, creating a voluminous cabin ready to house a tactical table and everyone who has a stake in drafting the master plan. — New Atlas, 25 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

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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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