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Synonyms

tactician

American  
[tak-tish-uhn] / tækˈtɪʃ ən /

noun

  1. a person who is adept in planning tactics.


Etymology

Origin of tactician

First recorded in 1790–1800; tactic + -ian

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Explanation

A tactician is someone good at planning tactics: the specific means of accomplishing goals. A strategy is an overall plan for accomplishing something. Tactics are the steps taken to carry out the strategy. If someone is skilled at coming up with tactics, they are a tactician. In a political campaign, a tactician helps with speeches and ads. In football, a tactician draws up plays. In war, a tactician figures out specific ways of carrying out the plans of the generals. A tactician knows how to get things done.

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Vocabulary lists containing tactician

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.

“Ted’s business acumen and sailing acumen were analogous,” his friend and former tactician, sailing Hall of Famer Gary Jobson said Wednesday.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

"Our football loses not only a brilliant tactician, but a mentor, a visionary, and a national symbol who carried the tricolour to the highest peaks of global success."

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

A CAF statement said the tactician was guilty of "unsporting conduct" and "bringing the game into disrepute" during the decider in Rabat on January 18, which Senegal won 1-0 after extra time.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

That’s what made her a superb deal-maker and legislative tactician, along with the personal touch she brought to her leadership.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2025

The great tactician answered: “You were still a child, I see, when exiled somehow from your parents’ land.

From "The Odyssey" by Homer

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