strategic

adjective

Definition of strategicnext
as in key
of great importance especially to the future or outcome of something This is a strategic goal that could make or break the company.

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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 strategic These beliefs were not inevitable; they were constructed through repetition, strategic messaging, and, most important, media coverage that echoed the administration’s line rather than interrogating it. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026 Spurred by the pandemic, the NIH began to develop its first-ever five-year strategic communications plan in 2022 under President Biden. — Megan Molteni, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026 At the same time, oil prices also pulled back following reports that the European Union is considering a release of strategic fuel reserves. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026 When a big strategic bet doesn’t look like consensus, most executive teams respond the same way. — Piotr Tomasik, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for strategic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strategic
  1. key
  2. crucial
  3. critical
  4. decisive
  5. major
  6. pivotal
  7. meaningful
Adjective
  • Until today, human scientists have been the agents responsible for discovering cancer cures, and for doing so they (and key associates) have been showered with academic credit and awards, perhaps even a Nobel Prize.
    — Jeffrey S. Flier, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
  • That was key because earlier in the game, receiver Rashee Rice suffered a hamstring injury and didn’t return to action after the first quarter.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of key
Adjective
  • That was crucial, as cockpit doors are typically locked to prevent hijackings.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Berkshire Hathaway held a major GM stake when Barra became CEO, and Buffett delivered a crucial vote of confidence in her leadership amid the 2014 recall crisis.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of crucial
Adjective
  • Accessibility At 900 feet high, accessibility played a critical role in the project.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Washington has placed greater emphasis on producing critical weapons at higher rates.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of critical
Adjective
  • Lukas Dostal made 12 saves, stopping just six of 11 shots in the decisive middle period before being replaced to start the third.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Public confidence will play a decisive role in the growth of fusion power.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of decisive
Adjective
  • Wildfires encroached on major European cities, a once unthinkable threat.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
  • These five rising, behind-the-scenes maestros have worked on major hits for such likely 2027 contenders as Noah Kahan, Ariana Grande and Rosalía — and could be first-time nominees in the category.
    — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of major
Adjective
  • Its produce is pivotal in curbing supply-side inflation domestically, and the country ranks among the top global exporters of rice and sugar.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • There’s the recurring omission of pivotal moments — in the last two weeks alone, Mae’s death happens offscreen, as does everyone finding out about it — which is less vexing with tough scenes than joyous ones.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of pivotal
Adjective
  • But there are still meaningful steps that both America’s domestic opposition and the international community can take.
    — Anjali Dayal, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Empowering local school councils with the resources, training and meaningful voice needed to shape decisions and hold Chicago Public Schools accountable.
    — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of meaningful

Browse Nearby Words

stratagems
strategic
strategies
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strategic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strategic. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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