strategize

American  

[strat-i-jahyz] / ˈstræt ɪˌdʒaɪz /

especially British, strategise

verb (used without object)

strategized, strategizing

1. to make up or determine strategy; plan.

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Usage

What does strategize mean? To strategize is to plan or create a plan or strategy for a specific reason or goal. A strategy is a plan for a course of action, especially one that prepares for multiple scenarios or situations. Strategize is commonly used in any context that involves extensive planning, especially the military, business, politics, and sports. Example: One candidate had clearly strategized before the debate and knew how to answer every question and respond to every attack. The other candidate was obviously winging it.

Etymology

Origin of strategize

First recorded in 1970–75; strateg(y) + -ize

Explanation

When you work on a plan with the aim of achieving a goal, you strategize. If you don't strategize before the big debate, you'll probably be unprepared and unconvincing. You and your sister should strategize before presenting your proposal for higher allowances to your mom. That means you'll come up with a game plan to achieve your goal: convincing her that ten dollars a week makes sense. Chess players strategize too, studying the board for possible moves and planning ahead to ultimately put their opponent's king in check mate. Strategize and strategy were first used as military terminology, from a root meaning "military commander."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

strategize strategized strategizing

Aguirre will have to strategize with an eye toward what lies ahead in the next round, which is a single-elimination format.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 24, 2026

They also make it exceedingly difficult for pro se petitioners filing on their own behalf to strategize the best approach and avoid being procedurally barred.

From Slate ● May 29, 2026

There, U.S. personnel from Central Command sit across from their Israeli counterparts and strategize.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 11, 2026

A new levies strategy from the U.S. government may create a new set of challenges for companies—and spur more costly legal bills as businesses strategize around new tariff authorities.

From Barron's ● Dec. 22, 2025

I figured I’d call my mother later at her office, telling her we’d need to strategize about how to force the man to take some time off.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Ariane strategized with Epstein on pushing back, and thrust the matter into public view by filing a lawsuit in 2015 to control using the name in finance.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 30, 2026

The files provide a rare window into how Epstein reacted and strategized in real time to the political and cultural earthquake of #MeToo.

From Salon ● Feb. 6, 2026

Schmeltz, who is one of the leaders of the national Jewish on Campus Student Union, said the group has strategized on how to respond as protests multiplied.

From Seattle Times ● May 3, 2024

For months this winter, they strategized ways to woo the two-time American League MVP to Chavez Ravine.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 13, 2024

He strategized about how to get the message across, how to wrangle more volunteers and find pockets of people who remained unfound.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

WSJ | Buy Side: From choosing the best income options to minimizing tax burdens, retirement requires careful strategizing.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 21, 2026

After all the strategizing and prognosticating, what no one can predict is which films will actually connect once audiences arrive.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026

He acts as an eagle eye, not playing the game himself, but watching and strategizing to give them the best chance.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 20, 2026

Michel, whose work required overseeing and strategizing on website content, has been here before.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 7, 2026

Lying on their bellies like boys, Father and Caesar study the map, strategizing.

From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes