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
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Which is why, clearly anticipating the question from CNN’s Dana Bash, Bass put the realpolitik of the fate of Lew Wasserman’s grandson on the table.
—
Dominic Patten, Deadline, 16 Feb. 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
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
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Dominic Patten, Deadline, 16 Feb. 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
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
See All Example Sentences for realpolitik
Cite this Entry
“Realpolitik.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/realpolitik. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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