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

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

Still, with the sides clearly talking going into next month’s talks, Crabtree-Ireland was playing to a measured definition of communication, members in the Vegas audience, and ghosting the realpolitik backchannel back and forth of bargaining points. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 8 Jan. 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

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

Word History

Etymology

German, from real actual + Politik politics

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for realpolitik

• conglomeratic
• erythrocytic
• extrahepatic
• granulocytic
• intrahepatic
• monozygotic
• actinic
• agnatic
• bailiwick
• bolshevik
• candlestick
• chloritic