tactic
7 synonyms for tactic, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A specific action or method used to achieve a particular goal, especially as part of a larger plan.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use tactic
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a delaying tactic
scare tactics
change tactics
Etymology
From Ancient Greek taktikos, "fit for arranging," via New Latin tactica.
Full origin of tactic →Frequently asked questions
What does “tactic” mean?
The word “tactic” means a specific action or method used to achieve a particular goal, especially as part of a larger plan. In plain terms, a single move or method used to reach a goal, usually as one piece of a wider strategy.
How do you pronounce “tactic”?
“Tactic” is pronounced TAK-tihk (/ˈtæktɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “tactic” in a sentence?
Here is “tactic” used in a sentence: “Cutting prices was just one tactic in their bigger marketing strategy.”
What part of speech is “tactic”?
“Tactic” is a noun.
Where does the word “tactic” come from?
The word “tactic” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek taktikos, "fit for arranging," via New Latin tactica.
Is “tactic” a common word?
“Tactic” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
What is the difference between a tactic and a strategy?
A tactic is a specific action or method used to achieve a particular goal, while a strategy is the broader overall plan that ties multiple tactics together. In other words, strategy sets the direction and tactics are the individual steps taken to get there.
Is tactic usually singular or plural in use?
Tactic is often used in the plural, as in 'sales tactics' or 'delaying tactics,' to describe a set of related methods used as part of a larger plan. The singular form refers to one specific action or method.
What are examples of common collocations with tactic?
Common phrases include 'scare tactic,' 'delaying tactic,' 'negotiating tactic,' and 'change of tactic,' all describing a specific method aimed at achieving a goal. These pairings show how the word is typically applied to deliberate, goal-directed actions.
