realpolitik

noun

re·​al·​po·​li·​tik rā-ˈäl-ˌpō-li-ˌtēk How to pronounce realpolitik (audio)
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Nevertheless, many in Ukraine have displayed a determined — if perhaps grim — realpolitik at the man holding the purse strings of their military rearguard action. Alexander Smith, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024 The stakes couldn’t be higher and hinge on the deft balancing of realpolitik. Charlie Campbell / Yerevan, TIME, 22 Oct. 2024 That’s the realpolitik that Bonta shouldn’t ignore, because it’s long happened in L.A. and is playing out this November in the San Fernando Valley. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2024 For idealists and progressives, isolationism meant escaping realpolitik and enabling investment in the country’s economic well-being rather than in instruments of war. Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for realpolitik 

Word History

Etymology

German, from real actual + Politik politics

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of realpolitik was in 1895

Dictionary Entries Near realpolitik

Cite this Entry

“Realpolitik.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/realpolitik. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!