posturing

American  

[pos-cher-ing] / ˈpɒs tʃər ɪŋ /

noun

1. speech or action that is artificial, hypocritical, or calculated to mislead.

   I'm fed up with the reaching-across-the-aisle posturing intended to make politicians seem like they’re working hard for bipartisan reform.

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adjective

1. engaging in or characterized by such speech or behavior.

   He cynically believes that anybody trying to live up to an ideal is either a posturing liar or a simple-minded fool.

Etymology

Origin of posturing

First recorded in 1620–30; postur(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun; postur(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective

Example Sentences

"This is childish," she said, urging party leaders to stop "posturing".

From BBC • May 11, 2026

It will feature policy talk, political posturing and even, possibly, a significant discussion about our city’s future.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

If “The Christophers” is to be believed, art that tries to imitate a certain style is little more than hollow, emotionless posturing.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026

Bragging, threatening, and posturing are all frowned upon.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

He had a tendency to play the tough soldier role, always posturing, always puffing himself up, and on occasion he took it way too far.

From "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien

Related Words

• charade
• cloak
• pretext
• semblance
• veneer