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

Bragging, threatening, and posturing are all frowned upon.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

In a “risk-on” market, investors rush to buy up stocks that had been especially beaten down during prior bouts of defensive posturing, noted Cantor Fitzgerald’s C.J.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

“While labeled the ‘mother of all disruptions,’ this posturing reveals a critical paradox,” said Naveen Das, senior crude analyst at Kpler.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

Kim Yo Jong, the younger sister of Kim Jong Un, has emerged as one of the most powerful figures in North Korea, playing a leading role in the nation's diplomatic efforts and nuclear posturing.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

He turns his chair away from me but doesn’t get up to leave, which means he’s just posturing now.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman

Related Words

• charade
• cloak
• pretext
• semblance
• veneer