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• tactic
  tactic

  noun

  tactics.
• -tactic
  -tactic

  combining form

  having a specified kind of pattern or arrangement or having an orientation determined by a specified force

tactic

American  

[tak-tik] / ˈtæk tɪk /

noun

• tactics
  plural

1. tactics.

2. a system or a detail of tactics.

3. a plan, procedure, or expedient for promoting a desired end or result.

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adjective

1. of or relating to arrangement or order; tactical.

-tactic ¹ British  

combining form

1. having a specified kind of pattern or arrangement or having an orientation determined by a specified force

   syndiotactic

   phototactic

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tactic ² British  

/ ˈtæktɪk /

noun

1. a piece of tactics; tactical move See also tactics

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nontactic
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• tactics
  plural

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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

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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!

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tactic tactics

By running the appliances in off-peak hours, the tactic is supposed to save her money.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 10, 2026

Tuchel has used the tactic before, with Kai Havertz often deployed at the point of the attack during his time as Chelsea boss.

From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026

The idea that AI agents could level the playing field in consumer finances relies on the assumption that bots will recommend the best product or money-saving tactic.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 29, 2026

As Charen notes, the tactic makes it hard to defend decency, because we “risk mockery by insisting that no, not everybody does it.”

From Salon ● Sep. 18, 2026

That wasn’t working, so I tried a new tactic.

From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago

But the hackers did not say if they were from Russia or Ukraine, and their claims were dismissed as an attempt to distance themselves from the cyber-crime extortion tactics Qilin were known for.

From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026

The Sheriff’s Department has said that it cited Barraza for failing to deploy de-escalation tactics before using force and that it disciplined a sergeant for failures during the assessment after the incident.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026

Cadets should learn the origins and application of military theory, principles, strategy and tactics.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

Rather than actively chasing prey, the snake may have relied on ambush tactics, remaining concealed until another animal came within striking distance.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 14, 2026

“Do you mind skipping the scare tactics and the head games? Just tell me the details of your offer. I have other matters to attend to.”

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline

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Related Words

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