strategic

[ struh-tee-jik ]

/ strəˈti dʒɪk /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR strategic ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

pertaining to, characterized by, or of the nature of strategy: strategic movements.

important in or essential to strategy.

(of an action, as a military operation or a move in a game) forming an integral part of a stratagem: a strategic move in a game of chess.

Military.

intended to render the enemy incapable of making war, as by the destruction of materials, factories, etc.: a strategic bombing mission.
essential to the conduct of a war: Copper is a strategic material.

Nearby words

Sometimes stra·te·gi·cal.

Origin of strategic

1815–25; < Greek stratēgikós, equivalent to stratēg(ós) general (see strategy + -ikos -ic

SYNONYMS FOR strategic

2 opportune, critical, key, principal, crucial.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR strategic ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

stra·te·gi·cal·ly, adverbnon·stra·te·gic, adjectivenon·stra·te·gi·cal, adjectivenon·stra·te·gi·cal·ly, adverb

un·stra·te·gic, adjectiveun·stra·te·gi·cal, adjectiveun·stra·te·gi·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for strategic

“It seems to me that the operative questions are political and strategic, not legal,” said the former administration official.
Cyberwar on North Korea Could Be Illegal|Shane Harris|December 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
After years of strategic drift, the U.S. military may finally have a path to maintain its edge over countries like China.
The Pentagon May Finally Have a Plan to Keep America on Top|Bill Sweetman|November 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Of course, every nuclear capable air force runs exercises to practice its so-called “strategic deterrence.”
Are Russian Bombers Flying Nuclear Drills Near Europe—Or Just Testing NATO’s Defenses?|Dave Majumdar|October 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“The strategic problem posed by [ISIS] is different than that in Afghanistan,” one former senior Air Force official said.
Air Force Pilots Say They're Flying Blind Against ISIS|Dave Majumdar|October 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Turkey would do well to remember that as it weighs its strategic options.
Dear Turkish PM: It’s Time to Act to Save Kobani’s Kurds|Bahman Ghobani|October 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Federals were moving with rapid gait to this strategic point, but Lee having the inner line, was first on the field.
History of Kershaw's Brigade|D. Augustus Dickert
Strategic railways were built for the speedy transportation of troops.
The Story of Russia|R. Van Bergen, M.A.
The pack, made of both canvas and leather and with straps at strategic intervals, was huge.
Trading Jeff and his Dog|James Arthur Kjelgaard
Our forces will be prepared for rapid deployment to any region of strategic significance.
Complete State of the Union Addresses from 1790 to 2006|Various
Juve and Fandor followed a few minutes later and took up a strategic position at a table near the doorway.
The Exploits of Juve|Pierre Souvestre and Marcel Allain

British Dictionary definitions for strategic

strategic

strategical

/ (strəˈtiːdʒɪk) /

adjective

of, relating to, or characteristic of strategy

important to a strategy or to strategy in general

(of weapons, attacks, etc) directed against an enemy's homeland rather than used on a battlefielda strategic missile; strategic bombing

Derived Formsstrategically, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for strategic

strategic

adj.

"pertaining to strategy," 1825; see strategy + -ic. Related: Strategical; strategically.

strategic

adjective

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Nearby words

Origin of strategic

Examples from the Web for strategic

British Dictionary definitions for strategic

strategic

strategical

adjective

Word Origin and History for strategic

strategic