tactic
Americannoun
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a system or a detail of tactics.
-
a plan, procedure, or expedient for promoting a desired end or result.
adjective
combining form
noun
Other Word Forms
- nontactic noun
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.
Magyar’s team feared the tactic risked whipping up hostility toward the candidate now traveling with scant security.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026
Igor Tudor, who succeed Frank on an interim basis but lasted just seven matches, obviously struggled at Spurs but what he did do was to introduce man-to-man marking as their main defensive tactic.
From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026
Other senior administration officials and Trump allies said they viewed the Truth Social post as a negotiating tactic.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026
Yet Whatley believes it’s a “dangerous” tactic for protesters.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026
The discrediting of witnesses can be a highly effective tactic, and Quintilian observes that it can be done against whole categories of witnesses, as well as against individuals.
From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith
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.
