realpolitik

noun

re·​al·​po·​li·​tik rā-ˈäl-ˌpō-li-ˌtēk 

variants often Realpolitik

: politics based on practical and material factors rather than on theoretical or ethical objectives

Examples of realpolitik in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Trump’s realpolitik may be the only way to end the Ukraine war. — FOXNews.com, 5 Jan. 2026

Reagan believed that although realpolitik might be pursued by other nations, the concept was alien to the United States. — Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 9 Jan. 2026

But the truth is all of these deals are tough to fathom, given the tough legal road around broadcast rules, the already-consolidating marketplace and the realpolitik involved. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026

Trump’s implication was that this is a much more pragmatic, realpolitik regime-change transition, one with support from elements of the existing order. — Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

German, from real actual + Politik politics

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for realpolitik

• andesitic
• anthelmintic
• dizygotic
• impolitic
• lymphocytic
• martensitic
• phagocytic
• pharisaic
• rhyolitic
• visigothic
• actinic
• agnatic