strategic

adjective

stra·​te·​gic strə-ˈtē-jik How to pronounce strategic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or marked by strategy
a strategic retreat
2
a
: necessary to or important in the initiation, conduct, or completion of a strategic plan
b
: required for the conduct of war and not available in adequate quantities domestically
strategic materials
c
: of great importance within an integrated whole or to a planned effect
emphasized strategic points
3
: designed or trained to strike an enemy at the sources of its military, economic, or political power
a strategic bomber
strategical adjective
strategically adverb

Examples of strategic in a Sentence

The bridges have great strategic value. The hill is located at a strategic position.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Our research adds to growing evidence that language is a strategic tool, especially in times of disruption. Iese Business School, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 One of the central goals of Israel’s air campaign against Iran is to establish air supremacy over the country, allowing further unimpeded strikes on various strategic targets. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 June 2025 During the first three years of Russia’s all-out war in Ukraine, the United States and the EU presented a united front against Russia that proved, perhaps paradoxically, manageable for the Kremlin, in terms of both propaganda and strategic positioning. Andrew Ryvkin, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025 This was for strategic, more than economic, reasons; Clinton hoped that, in importing U.S. goods, China would also import U.S. values. Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for strategic

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of strategic was in 1799

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strategic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strategic. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

strategic

adjective
stra·​te·​gic strə-ˈtē-jik How to pronounce strategic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or showing strategy
strategic value of the position
a strategic retreat
2
a
: required for the conduct of war
strategic supplies
b
: of great importance within a whole or for a planned purpose
mentioned strategic points
3
: designed or trained to strike at what makes an enemy powerful
strategic bomber
strategical adjective
strategically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on strategic

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