tactic
Americannoun
-
a system or a detail of tactics.
-
a plan, procedure, or expedient for promoting a desired end or result.
adjective
combining form
noun
Other Word Forms
- nontactic noun
Etymology
Origin of tactic
First recorded in 1560–70; New Latin tacticus, from Greek taktikós “fit for arranging or ordering,” from tak-, base of tássein ( Attic táttein ) “to arrange, put in order” + -tikos -tic
Explanation
Tactic is another word for a maneuver or method. If begging doesn't convince your parents to raise your allowance, you might want to try a different tactic—like doing all your chores without being asked. English-speakers have been talking about tactics since at least 1640, when this word was first recorded. A tactic is just a way to do something, a plan, or an approach. Generals have to have a good grasp on military tactics to win a battle; football teams have to use strong defensive tactics to keep the other guys from scoring. One time-tested tactic for winning over a teacher? Always turn your homework in on time!
Vocabulary lists containing tactic
100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Essential Academic Vocabulary for Middle School Students, List 9
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Word Generation Social Studies - Ancient Civilizations of Egypt, Greece, Rome
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But when Madrid got into Bayern's half, we saw this man-to-man tactic shift into a more structured defensive shape that moved between 4-4-2 and 5-2-3.
From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026
This would represent a new tactic by the Kim regime, said Nick Carlsen, a former FBI analyst who has investigated North Korea’s cyber crimes for years.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026
Granado-Gomez said voting is an important way to make a change — but refusing to pay taxes is a longtime tactic that goes back to the Founding Fathers, he added.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026
They agreed to waive the home inspection, a common tactic to help buyers sweeten their offers to sellers.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
“Yes, it stands to reason that the same tactic should work.”
From "The Last Last-Day-of-Summer" by Lamar Giles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
