tactical

[ tak-ti-kuh l ]

/ ˈtæk tɪ kəl /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR tactical ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

of or relating to tactics, especially military or naval tactics.

characterized by skillful tactics or adroit maneuvering or procedure: tactical movements.

of or relating to a maneuver or plan of action designed as an expedient toward gaining a desired end or temporary advantage.

expedient; calculated.

prudent; politic.

Nearby words

taconite, tacrine hydrochloride, tact, tactful, tactic, tactical, tactical air command, tactical unit, tactical voting, tactical wire, tactician

Origin of tactical

First recorded in 1560–70; tactic + -al¹

Related forms

tac·ti·cal·ly, adverbnon·tac·ti·cal, adjectivenon·tac·ti·cal·ly, adverbun·tac·ti·cal, adjective

un·tac·ti·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for tactical

“So, about good for one tactical burst,” the first Air Force official said.
New U.S. Stealth Jet Can’t Fire Its Gun Until 2019|Dave Majumdar|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The “tactical” side of artillery—its use on a battlefield—was something Jackson was not called upon to explain.
Stonewall Jackson, VMI’s Most Embattled Professor|S. C. Gwynne|November 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They thought in their minds the drones had a tactical advantage, so they allowed them to continue for quite some time.
Obama’s Deadly Informants: The Drone Spotters of Pakistan|Umar Farooq, Syed Fakhar Kakakhel|November 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Russian Air Force also flew additional sorties over the Baltic Sea with tactical strike fighters on Oct. 29.
Are Russian Bombers Flying Nuclear Drills Near Europe—Or Just Testing NATO’s Defenses?|Dave Majumdar|October 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Nobody really has the control in the tactical environment.
Air Force Pilots Say They're Flying Blind Against ISIS|Dave Majumdar|October 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The tactical lessons conned in his tent would vanish in a sort of stage-fright when he tried to practise them in public.
Military Reminiscences of the Civil War V1|Jacob Dolson Cox
Much wisdom is demanded of an Irish leader in deciding the tactical questions arising from the vicissitudes of British parties.
Ireland and the Home Rule Movement|Michael F. J. McDonnell
I have no wish to disparage the strategical and tactical ability which were displayed in the conduct of the campaign.
Political and Literary essays, 1908-1913|Evelyn Baring
What Strachan desired was a cruiser fit to take a tactical part in a fleet action.
Some Principles of Maritime Strategy|Julian Stafford Corbett
He smiled grimly; that was an accurate description of his own tactical procedure at the moment.
Dearest|Henry Beam Piper

British Dictionary definitions for tactical

tactical

/ (ˈtæktɪkəl) /

adjective

of, relating to, or employing tacticsa tactical error

(of weapons, attacks, etc) used in or supporting limited military operationsa tactical missile; tactical bombing

skilful or diplomatica tactical manoeuvre

Derived Forms

tactically, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012