tactical
adjective
tac·ti·cal
ˈtak-ti-kəl 
1
: of or relating to combat tactics: such as
a(1)
: of or occurring at the battlefront
a tactical defense
a tactical first strike
(2)
: using or being weapons or forces employed at the battlefront
tactical missiles
b
of an air force
: of, relating to, or designed for air attack in close support of friendly ground forces
2
a
: of or relating to tactics: such as
(1)
: of or relating to small-scale actions serving a larger purpose
(2)
: made or carried out with only a limited or immediate end in view
b
: adroit in planning or maneuvering to accomplish a purpose
Examples of tactical in a Sentence
They gained a tactical advantage by joining with one of their competitors.
He made a serious tactical error.
The planes provided tactical air support for the soldiers on the ground.
Recent Examples on the Web
The No Secret Police Act banned local law enforcement officers, officers from other states and federal law enforcement personnel from wearing masks except in specific circumstances — such as in tactical, SWAT or undercover operations.
—
Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Given how accommodating Frankfurt have been this season, there’s a lot of physical and tactical work ahead.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
According to a Flight Global report, Taiwan aims to procure 10 Lockheed Martin C-130J tactical transport aircraft, rather than undergoing a costly C-130H modernisation program.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026
February need not be a tough month, but notable tactical peaks in the high-momentum parts of the market occurred after strong preceding years in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2024.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tactical
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Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Given how accommodating Frankfurt have been this season, there’s a lot of physical and tactical work ahead.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
According to a Flight Global report, Taiwan aims to procure 10 Lockheed Martin C-130J tactical transport aircraft, rather than undergoing a costly C-130H modernisation program.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026
February need not be a tough month, but notable tactical peaks in the high-momentum parts of the market occurred after strong preceding years in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2024.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tactical
Cite this Entry
“Tactical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tactical. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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