realpolitik

noun, often capitalized

re·al·po·li·tik | \ rā-ˈäl-ˌpō-li-ˌtēk

How to pronounce realpolitik (audio)

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Definition of 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 As the afterglow of the inaugural shift fades, the realpolitik of domestic and diplomatic pressures has already begun to reemerge. — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, "Week 1 and counting in the Biden-Harris era as Latinos wait on immigration promises," 27 Jan. 2021 This preference for realpolitik over idealism chimes with her previous work. — Washington Post, "Why human progress is inextricably linked to war," 13 Nov. 2020 The rocket program is a neat metaphor, if a little obvious, for the corruption of all that is most admirable about human initiative: of scientific wonder by realpolitik; of the impulse to learn by the urge to destroy. — Toby Lichtig, WSJ, "‘V2’ Review: Tracing the Arc," 12 Nov. 2020 López Obrador, a longtime standard-bearer of Mexico’s left, has adopted a sort of tropical realpolitik with his country’s largest trading partner, acquiescing to Trump’s demands to limit migration. — Kevin Sieff, Washington Post, "Mexican president’s visit to Trump draws questions, criticism in both countries," 6 July 2020 Without any histrionics or posturing, Varma nails the character’s blend of idealism and realpolitik, compassion and trepidation. — Mike Hale, New York Times, "Review: A Jailhouse Lawyer (With a Law Degree) in ABC’s ‘For Life’," 10 Feb. 2020 No doubt, Trump and his supporters would like to frame this mindset as some sort of realpolitik, a grim but realistic acceptance of how the world works. — Kevin Baker, Harper's Magazine, "The Striking Gesture," 27 Apr. 2020 This alternate timeline does not ignore realpolitik. — Zeynep Tufekci, The Atlantic, "The WHO Shouldn’t Be a Plaything For Great Powers," 16 Apr. 2020 And this evening you’ve spoken to us about a world that is more and more dominated by realpolitik, that the idea that Western values had permanently triumphed was false. — The Economist, "Emmanuel Macron in his own words (English)," 7 Nov. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'realpolitik.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

1 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Realpolitik.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/realpolitik. Accessed 5 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for realpolitik

realpolitik

noun

English Language Learners Definition of realpolitik

: a system of politics based on a country's situation and its needs rather than on ideas about what is morally right and wrong

See the full definition for realpolitik in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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