tactic
noun
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tactic
American
[tak-tik]
/ ˈtæk tɪk /
noun
-
a system or a detail of tactics.
-
a plan, procedure, or expedient for promoting a desired end or result.
adjective
-tactic
1
British
combining form
tactic
2
British
/ ˈtæktɪk /
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of tactic
First recorded in 1560–70; New Latin tacticus, from Greek taktikós “fit for arranging or ordering,” from tak-, base of tássein ( Attic táttein ) “to arrange, put in order” + -tikos -tic
Explanation
Tactic is another word for a maneuver or method. If begging doesn't convince your parents to raise your allowance, you might want to try a different tactic—like doing all your chores without being asked. English-speakers have been talking about tactics since at least 1640, when this word was first recorded. A tactic is just a way to do something, a plan, or an approach. Generals have to have a good grasp on military tactics to win a battle; football teams have to use strong defensive tactics to keep the other guys from scoring. One time-tested tactic for winning over a teacher? Always turn your homework in on time!
Vocabulary lists containing tactic
100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know
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Essential Academic Vocabulary for Middle School Students, List 9
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Word Generation Social Studies - Ancient Civilizations of Egypt, Greece, Rome
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“It’s even a recruiting tactic for hospitals because surgeons have trained on Intuitive machines,” says Vohra.
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
A celebrity’s ties to a property would create instant buzz—and served as a sure-fire tactic for luring in a line of prospective buyers.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026
The local government has proposed an old tactic to keep high-paying guests at the luxury resort from becoming chum: Putting a shark net adjacent to the beach.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026
Merino and Havertz, again, are best placed to bring down or flick on long passes from David Raya before Arsenal's midfield swarm the second ball making this another tactic to look out for.
From BBC • May 30, 2026
For him, nonviolence was not simply a tactic.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
