strategic

[ struh-tee-jik ]

adjective

1. pertaining to, characterized by, or of the nature of strategy:

   strategic movements.

2. important in or essential to strategy.

   Synonyms: principal, key, crucial, critical, opportune

3. (of an action, as a military operation or a move in a game) forming an integral part of a stratagem:

   a strategic move in a game of chess.

4. Military.
   1. intended to render the enemy incapable of making war, as by the destruction of materials, factories, etc.:

      a strategic bombing mission.

   2. (of a weapon) long range, as an intercontinental ballistic missile: Compare tactical ( def 3 ).

      Strategic nuclear weapons were the linchpin of the Mutual Assured Destruction doctrine at the height of the Cold War.

   3. essential to the conduct of a war:

      Copper is a strategic material.

strategic

/ strəˈtiːdʒɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of strategy
2. important to a strategy or to strategy in general
3. (of weapons, attacks, etc) directed against an enemy's homeland rather than used on a battlefield

   a strategic missile

   strategic bombing

Derived Forms

• straˈtegically, adverb

Other Words From

• stra·te·gi·cal·ly adverb
• non·stra·te·gic adjective
• non·stra·te·gi·cal adjective
• un·stra·te·gic adjective
• un·stra·te·gi·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of strategic¹

First recorded in 1815–25; from Greek stratēgikós, equivalent to stratēg(ós) “general” ( strategy ) + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

The government says the move will help with the implementation of the strategic defence review, due to report next year.

From BBC

Sonja Shaw, president of the Chino Valley Unified School District board, who has become a national figure among conservative parents and school leaders, said McMahon’s appointment seems like a strategic move.

From Los Angeles Times

Those moves were widely seen as part of a larger strategic shift and cost-cutting effort.

From Los Angeles Times

Experts have questioned the success of the offensive, with one calling it a "strategic catastrophe" given manpower shortages faced by Ukraine.

From BBC

Bulls are daring to dream of $100,000 Bitcoin, as well as more far out possibilities including the creation of a strategic Bitcoin reserve.

From New York Times

Related Words

• critical
• important
• key
• vital