strategist

American  

[strat-i-jist] / ˈstræt ɪ dʒɪst /

noun

1. an expert in strategy, especially in warfare.

   Julius Caesar was a great military strategist.

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strategist British  

/ ˈstrætɪdʒɪst /

noun

1. a specialist or expert in strategy

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Etymology

Origin of strategist

First recorded in 1830–40; strateg(y) + -ist

Compare meaning

How does strategist compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• tactician vs. strategist

Explanation

That guy who's really good at making a detailed plan for winning at Monopoly? He's a strategist, or an expert at strategy, or planning. The noun strategist is most commonly used to talk about military people who plan wars, but it's useful whenever you mention someone who is particularly good at making a plan in any kind of complex situation. A coach acts as a strategist when she makes a plan to help her team win the game. A busy mom could also be called a strategist when she has a system for getting a bunch of kids fed, clothed, and out the door to school on time.

Example Sentences

James Kirkham, a brand strategist and culture commentator, agrees that the themes that once made Euphoria feel culturally defining are now more mainstream.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

Net imports of oil make up about 7% of Thailand’s GDP, one of the highest exposures, according to BCA Research emerging markets strategist Arthur Budaghyan.

From Barron's • May 30, 2026

Juhi Dhawan, macro strategist at Wellington Management, said there was a 100% chance of a rate hike this year.

From MarketWatch • May 30, 2026

“If orders continue to lead revenue, as they are now, then we are not late in the cycle. We are still climbing the demand curve,” the strategist writes.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

Cymbeline leaned over the table like a master strategist, face scrunched up.

From "Dactyl Hill Squad" by Daniel José Older

Related Words

• planner