strategic

[ struh-tee-jik ]

adjective

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

   strategic movements.

2. important in or essential to strategy.

   Synonyms: principal, key, crucial, critical, opportune

3. (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.

4. Military.
   1. intended to render the enemy incapable of making war, as by the destruction of materials, factories, etc.:

      a strategic bombing mission.

   2. (of a weapon) long range, as an intercontinental ballistic missile: Compare tactical ( def 3 ).

      Strategic nuclear weapons were the linchpin of the Mutual Assured Destruction doctrine at the height of the Cold War.

   3. essential to the conduct of a war:

      Copper is a strategic material.

strategic

/ strəˈtiːdʒɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of strategy
2. important to a strategy or to strategy in general
3. (of weapons, attacks, etc) directed against an enemy's homeland rather than used on a battlefield

   a strategic missile

   strategic bombing

Derived Forms

• straˈtegically, adverb

Other Words From

• stra·te·gi·cal·ly adverb
• non·stra·te·gic adjective
• non·stra·te·gi·cal adjective
• un·stra·te·gic adjective
• un·stra·te·gi·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of strategic¹

First recorded in 1815–25; from Greek stratēgikós, equivalent to stratēg(ós) “general” ( strategy ) + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

It is a strategic city linking the capital to the Alawite heartland on the Mediterranean coast, Assad's political stronghold and key to his grip on power.

From BBC

It reminded Georgians that it was the ruling party that had halted the EU process and then lost its strategic partnership with the US two days later.

From BBC

Such strong actions taken in the next two months would also help the incoming Trump administration safeguard America’s strategic interests for years to come.

From Los Angeles Times

She said the Greek government has proposed a "cultural, strategic partnership" which would involve other antiquities being sent to the British Museum to fill the gallery which would be left vacant by any return.

From BBC

“The market is saturated with devices that offer low price and convenience, but provide an impersonal, sterile experience,” says Sarah Dodge, strategic design manager at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

From BBC

Related Words

• critical
• important
• key
• vital