strategic
[struh-tee-jik]
- 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.
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Sometimes stra·te·gi·cal.
Origin of strategic
Synonyms
See more synonyms for strategic on Thesaurus.com2. opportune, critical, key, principal, crucial.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for strategic
Contemporary Examples
“It seems to me that the operative questions are political and strategic, not legal,” said the former administration official.
After years of strategic drift, the U.S. military may finally have a path to maintain its edge over countries like China.
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
“The strategic problem posed by [ISIS] is different than that in Afghanistan,” one former senior Air Force official said.
Turkey would do well to remember that as it weighs its strategic options.
Historical Examples
What was the source of this strategic advantage of the villain?
The Enclosures in EnglandHarriett Bradley
"Yes, we've settled that," said Margaret, undisturbed by his strategic blunderings.
Howards EndE. M. Forster
Strategic railways were built for the speedy transportation of troops.
The Story of RussiaR. Van Bergen, M.A.
Thanks to this strategic offensive, the campaign turned in our favor.
Current History, A Monthly MagazineNew York Times
Its importance is military and strategic rather than commercial.
Commercial GeographyJacques W. Redway
strategic
strategical
- 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
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for strategic
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper