performative
adjective
(of an expression or statement) performing an act by the very fact of being uttered, as with the expression “I promise,” that performs the act of promising.
performatively
-
a word derived from
performative.
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
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 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
I think we contestants were also made to performatively eat a hamburger — I’ve kind of blocked that part out.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 26, 2023
