posturing

[pos-cher-ing]

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.

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of posturing¹

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 one of those negotiations where there's a great deal of posturing on both sides," said Chris Sands, director of the Center for Canadian Studies at Johns Hopkins University.

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That posturing might have worked if he were younger or more energetic.

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I’m laying out an interpretation that brushes away Mr. Putin’s great-man posturing.

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A lengthy government shutdown comes with plenty of political posturing.

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Authorities have also told companies not to use an older Nvidia product, a move some analysts view as posturing to negotiate access to a better chip with the U.S.

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Related Words

• charade 
• cloak 
• pretext 
• semblance 
• veneer