tactical

adjective

ˈtak-ti-kəl How to pronounce tactical (audio)
Definition of tacticalnext
as in prudent
suitable for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances made the tactical move of becoming friendly with the journalism teacher, hoping that this would get him appointed editor of the school newspaper

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 tactical Those willing to deal with volatility can consider select tactical opportunities in medium- to long-duration bonds, said. — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026 More form than function, police work’s stewardship of capitalism exists largely in the tactical imagination. — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026 The Virginia State Police tactical team and a negotiator were brought to the scene. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 1 Oct. 2026 Newsom takes a similarly tactical approach to artificial intelligence, probably the defining issue of the coming presidential cycle. — Joe Hagan, Vanity Fair, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tactical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tactical
  1. prudent
  2. desirable
  3. wise
  4. possible
  5. politic
Adjective
  • In my view, a multinational AI task force of government and private sector experts from a range of disciplines would be more prudent than creating an AI Force, a quasi-military entity that would institutionalize AI’s worst impulses.
    — Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026
  • For decades, prudent stewardship meant protecting wealth from uncertainty.
    — Walid Chiniara, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of prudent
Adjective
  • The population consisted of workers transforming the strip of land to be habitable, even desirable, reforming the cluster into a model of hospitality.
    — Erin Parish, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
  • These males with less going for them then pass on their less desirable traits, which could have negative consequences for the offspring.
    — Claire Therese Hemingway, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of desirable
Adjective
  • Street-wise, independent travelers wanting to immerse themselves in the city, and live like locals without any of the hassle.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • But the show already had a natural stopping point coming up that would be appropriate, storytelling-wise.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of wise
Adjective
  • The South's joint chiefs said Saturday the military stepped up surveillance and vigilance for possible further launches from the North and was closely sharing information with the United States and Japan.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
  • As Yemen returns to a level of fighting intensity not seen since the 2022 truce, the civil war has entered a decisive phase, with several possible avenues forward.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of possible
Adjective
  • Coaxing out his talents fell to a more politic peer.
    — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
  • What’s depicted focuses on the advances these early feminists made at the school and in society, and the personal tensions between the relentlessly radical Marks and the more politic Woolley.
    — Manuel Mendoza, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
Definition of politic

Browse Nearby Words

tactic
tactical
tactics
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Cite this Entry

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

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