realpolitik

noun

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

often capitalized

: 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

Whereas China views the Dalai Lama’s succession question through the cold lens of realpolitik and statecraft, Tibetans see it through the cosmic prism of devotion and spiritual meaning. —Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2025

Though it is set almost entirely within the realpolitik of early 21st century Moscow, The Wizard of the Kremlin offers a warning to the West about how that state of affairs came to be. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2025

For Gulf Arab states, better ties with Israel have little to do with public attitudes and more to do with realpolitik, experts say. —Mo Abbas, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2025

But the leader says one of the biggest reasons to swing to Trump is simple realpolitik. —Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025

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