1
: a device for accomplishing an end
2
: a method of employing forces in combat
: of or relating to arrangement or order
1
: of, relating to, or having (such) an arrangement or pattern
phonotactic
2
: showing orientation or movement directed by a (specified) force or agent
geotactic
Note: Adjectives formed with -tactic usually correspond to nouns ending in -taxis.
Examples of tactic in a Sentence
Noun
an effective tactic for solving crimes
We may need to change tactics.
a specialist in naval tactics
Recent Examples on the Web
Tom Williams, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Familiarity with police tactics Hardin was previously the police chief for the small town of Gateway, Arkansas, near the Missouri border, and has worked various other law enforcement jobs throughout his career.
—Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
In an unprecedented move, the Department of Homeland Security in April threatened to remove Harvard University's ability to enroll any foreign students – a tactic other colleges worry could be used on them, too.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tactic
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Noun
Dembele had questioned Luis Enrique’s possession-heavy tactics during a team briefing and subsequently reported late for a training session, although a source close to him suggests that he was primarily axed for the trip to the Emirates Stadium in order to send a message to the rest of the squad.
—Tom Williams, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Familiarity with police tactics Hardin was previously the police chief for the small town of Gateway, Arkansas, near the Missouri border, and has worked various other law enforcement jobs throughout his career.
—Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
Adjective
Humanized personas are a new, engaging tactic brands are leveraging to connect with consumers, specifically younger demographics.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
In an unprecedented move, the Department of Homeland Security in April threatened to remove Harvard University's ability to enroll any foreign students – a tactic other colleges worry could be used on them, too.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tactic
Cite this Entry
“Tactic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tactic. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
tactic
adjective
tac·tic
ˈtak-tik 
1
: regular in structure of repeating units in a polymer
2
: of, relating to, or showing biological taxis
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