tactical

tac·ti·cal

adj \ˈtak-ti-kəl\

Definition of TACTICAL

1

: of or relating to combat tactics: as a (1) : of or occurring at the battlefront <a tactical defense> <a tactical first strike> (2) : using or being weapons or forces employed at the battlefront <tactical missiles> b of an air force : of, relating to, or designed for air attack in close support of friendly ground forces

2

a : of or relating to tactics: as (1) : of or relating to small-scale actions serving a larger purpose (2) : made or carried out with only a limited or immediate end in view b : adroit in planning or maneuvering to accomplish a purpose

— tac·ti·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of TACTICAL

1. They gained a tactical advantage by joining with one of their competitors.
2. He made a serious tactical error.
3. The planes provided tactical air support for the soldiers on the ground.

First Known Use of TACTICAL

1570

Related to TACTICAL

Synonyms: advisable, desirable, judicious, politic, prudent, expedient, wise

Antonyms: impolitic, imprudent, inadvisable, inexpedient, injudicious, unwise

Related Words: advantageous, beneficial, profitable; useful, utilitarian; feasible, possible, practicable, practical; opportune, seasonable, timely; opportunistic, self-seeking

Near Antonyms: impractical, profitless, unfeasible, unprofitable; inopportune, unseasonable, untimely

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Other Military Terms

bivouac, logistics, petard, salient, sally, supernumerary

Rhymes with TACTICAL

practical