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

In terms of realpolitik, of course, Israel most wants regime change in Iran. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025

His vision of realpolitik—rooted in cold calculation, balance of power, and pragmatic diplomacy—helped shape global politics for decades. —Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025

In an age of runaway AI, Palantir’s blend of realpolitik and moral restraint may be less of an anomaly and more of a preview. —Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

If Biden’s decision to visit Saudi Arabia confirms that realpolitik has won out, can the human rights consequences of the visit be somewhat, if inadequately, mitigated? —Agnès Callamard, Foreign Affairs, 13 July 2022

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