power politics

noun

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

: politics based primarily on the use of power (such as military and economic strength) as a coercive force rather than on ethical precepts

Examples of power politics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the post-Stalin scramble for power, Russia’s formal constitutional order served as the guidelines within which informal power politics played out. — Julian G. Waller, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026

But now, the beautiful game is mired in an ugly battle involving big money and power politics. — Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Aug. 2026

Putin’s fortress strategy A world of raw power politics suits Putin. — Anna Nemtsova, Time, 23 May 2026

This style of family-power politics reliably produces dissidents and black sheep—in this case, Brandon, a son of Skeet’s younger brother. — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for power politics

• biopolitics
• bolsheviks
• candlesticks
• crucifix
• intermix
• lunatics
• mensheviks
• orthotics
• politicks
• bricks
• brix
• chicks