Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Not performatively fun, not “I’m smiling through gritted teeth” fun, but genuinely pleasurable, in that way long projects can feel when the rhythm carries you.

From Salon • Nov. 25, 2025

In the video of his arrest, he appeared calm, perhaps performatively so, for the sake of his wife, who was recording it.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2025

Marissa ultimately gets engaged to Ramses Prashad, 34, who works at a justice nonprofit and may be the most performatively woke person who has ever appeared on the show.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 18, 2024

Normally, when we ask politicians who they think will win an election they are performatively shy.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2024

I’ve been forced to do that jog-thing, performatively pumping my arms but crossing just as slowly.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 29, 2023