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View synonyms for tactical

tactical

[ tak-ti-kuhl ]

adjective

  1. of or relating to tactics, especially the placement of military or naval forces in battle or at the front line of a battle.
  2. characterized by skillful tactics or adroit maneuvering or procedure, especially of military or naval forces:

    tactical movements.

  3. (of a weapon) short range, as battlefield missiles: Compare strategic ( def 4b ).

    A tactical nuclear weapon would still present significant risks to battlefield troops on both sides of the conflict.

  4. of or relating to a maneuver or plan of action designed as an expedient toward gaining a desired end or temporary advantage.
  5. expedient; calculated.
  6. prudent; politic.


tactical

/ ˈtæktɪkəl /

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or employing tactics

    a tactical error

  2. (of weapons, attacks, etc) used in or supporting limited military operations

    tactical bombing

    a tactical missile

  3. skilful or diplomatic

    a tactical manoeuvre

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • ˈtactically, adverb
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Other Words From

  • tac·ti·cal·ly adverb
  • non·tac·ti·cal adjective
  • non·tac·ti·cal·ly adverb
  • un·tac·ti·cal adjective
  • un·tac·ti·cal·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of tactical1

First recorded in 1560–70; tactic + -al 1
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Example Sentences

Jennifer Grasso figured she had a strong case to become the tactical unit’s next leader when the position opened up this year.

Bellamy is in his element when he is talking about football and its tactical intricacies.

From BBC

Sir Tony said the losses were "for tiny increments of land" but that there was "no doubt that Russia is making tactical, territorial gains and that is putting pressure on Ukraine".

From BBC

"There is no doubt that Russia is making tactical, territorial gains and that is putting pressure on Ukraine," he said.

From BBC

Looking at the breadth of Donald Trump’s victory, then, it would be foolish to go too far down any particular rabbit hole of wrong tactical decision made here, inexact position on this issue there.

From Slate

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tacticTactical Air Command