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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

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!

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tactic tactics

White nets stretch high across the front of brick buildings in Pakistan's northern border region, a tactic borrowed from the Ukrainian battlefield to protect police against the latest militant threat -- drones.

From Barron's ● Sep. 9, 2026

Anthony Pratkanis, an emeritus psychology professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, calls the tactic “the wedge”—isolating victims by telling them that family members don’t want them to be happy or have money.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 6, 2026

Along with the stigma this created, the tactic allowed Flynn’s defense to claim she had cooperated with prosecutors under threat of a criminal charge for what the newspaper delicately called the “illegal operation.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2026

Robinson can also thank Australia for bringing back into the fashion the age-old tactic of the wicketkeeper standing up to the stumps to pace bowlers.

From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026

The humiliation tactic was one of Wickersham’s favorites, and I saw him use it again not long after the incident with Robinson.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

The investigative report submitted to the national union raised questions about Regan’s tactics to earn support for his causes.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026

"His influence goes beyond tactics," Adigozalov told Report.

From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2026

"In this war, solutions devised during the Cold War will not work, nor will ideas developed over the past decade prove effective," he said, referring to naming-and-shaming tactics as one example.

From Barron's ● Sep. 3, 2026

Similar tactics were used against Mamdani in his run for mayor.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026

Shown up by the simple tactics of woodland creatures and mice!

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

Related Words

• ploy