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.

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

In a promotional YouTube video with Bobbi Althoff, host of “The Really Good Podcast,” Cera performatively walked out of the interview when questioned about his relationship with CeraVe.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 7, 2024

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

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2024

I mean, performatively, there is no one else like that, other than maybe Chris Christie, in terms of just charisma and quickness and agility.

From Salon • Sep. 9, 2023

It’s one thing if characters are performatively vacant or vacuous — “American Psycho” and “Glamorama” are long too, but in those books it’s a joke that no one can keep the characters straight.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2023