tactic
noun
tac·tic
| \ ˈtak-tik
\
\
Definition of tactic
(Entry 1 of 3)
1
: a device for accomplishing an end
2
: a method of employing forces in combat
tactic
adjectiveDefinition of tactic (Entry 2 of 3)
: of or relating to arrangement or order
-tactic
adjective combining formDefinition of -tactic (Entry 3 of 3)
1
: of, relating to, or having (such) an arrangement or pattern
paratactic
2
: showing orientation or movement directed by a (specified) force or agent
geotactic
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: Noun
Both sides have continued to escalate their level of violence and tactics. — The Economist, "Protesters are fighting for an open society," 20 Aug. 2019 Also on Tuesday, medical professionals held rallies at several local hospitals to protest against the police tactics and in solidarity with the woman who was hit in the eye on Sunday. — Ezra Cheung, New York Times, "Chaos Grips Hong Kong’s Airport as Police Clash With Protesters," 12 Aug. 2019 When all else fails, McConnell’s preferred tactic is feigned powerlessness. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, "America’s Most Powerful Gun Supporter," 6 Aug. 2019 Pantaleo initially tried to use two approved restraint tactics on Garner, much larger at 6-foot-2 and about 400 pounds but ended up wrapping his arm around Garner’s neck for about seven seconds during the struggle. — Doug Stanglin, USA TODAY, "Police officer in Eric Garner's death, Daniel Pantaleo, should be fired, NYPD judge says," 2 Aug. 2019 Policing tactics Police and other officials had hyped up the announcement of state troopers’ assistance in Dallas. — By Cassandra Jaramillo María Méndez, Dallas News, "'The only issue is the direction': South Dallas residents complain about state troopers' tactics," 31 July 2019 The trouble is, now that these tactics are well-known, there’s nothing to stop them being used to more dubious ends. — Olivia Goldhill, Quartz, "Politicians love nudge theory. But beware its doppelgänger “sludge”," 31 July 2019 Posters have marked moments in previous marches—sparked in June by opposition to a bill that would have allowed extradition to mainland China—encouraged turnout, and reflected on changing protester tactics. — Ilaria Maria Sala, Quartzy, "Hong Kong has become a gallery of protest poster art," 26 July 2019 Rochelle Long is among those who participate in clinical trials as researchers work to find tactics and medicines to battle the disease and its effects. — Mike Peticca, cleveland.com, "Volunteers needed for Northeast Ohio Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials," 22 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tactic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for tactic
tactic
noun
English Language Learners Definition of tactic
: an action or method that is planned and used to achieve a particular goal
: the activity or skill of organizing and moving soldiers and equipment in a military battle
See the full definition for tactic in the English Language Learners Dictionary
tactic
noun
tac·tic
| \ ˈtak-tik
\
\
Kids Definition of tactic
: a planned action for some purpose
“All that kid does is cry and he gets his way.” … “If I tried that tactic, my parents would just say, ‘Grow up.’ …”— Pam Zollman, Don't Bug Me!
tactic
adjective
tac·tic
| \ ˈtak-tik
\
\
Medical Definition of tactic
1
: regular in structure of repeating units in a polymer
2
: of, relating to, or showing biological taxis
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