Synonyms of strategic
1
: of, relating to, or marked by strategy
a strategic retreat
2
a
: necessary to or important in the initiation, conduct, or completion of a strategic plan
The hill is located at a strategic position.
b
: required for the conduct of war and not available in adequate quantities domestically
strategic materials
c
: of great importance within an integrated whole or to a planned effect
emphasized strategic points
3
: designed or trained to strike an enemy at the sources of its military, economic, or political power
a strategic bomber

Examples of strategic in a Sentence

The bridges have great strategic value. The hill is located at a strategic position.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Anything less would add to Iran’s economic pain but not enough to budge its strategic calculus. Yash Roy, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026 The trio, Brittany Howard, Heath Fogg, and Zac Cockrell, has executed a strategic, patient comeback, reintroducing themselves without relying solely on nostalgia. Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 The following month, Marcus and Bakhitar made another strategic decision based on their network's advice, submitting applications to sell pickles at Erewhon and Whole Foods despite barely having any history as a business. Megan Sauer, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026 Jihadi militants had on two occasions this year attacked the airport, a strategic hub that hosts a Nigerien air force base as well as the headquarters of the joint Niger-Burkina Faso-Mali military force. ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for strategic

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of strategic was in 1799

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strategic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strategic. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

strategic

adjective
1
: of, relating to, or showing strategy
strategic value of the position
a strategic retreat
2
a
: required for the conduct of war
strategic supplies
b
: of great importance within a whole or for a planned purpose
mentioned strategic points
3
: designed or trained to strike at what makes an enemy powerful
strategic bomber

More from Merriam-Webster on strategic

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