put-on

Mr. Stoll projects a slick self-confidence that seems slightly put-on, a hard crust over a more complicated personality.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 14, 2026

But he writes with sensitivity too, from painterly depictions of the Palm Desert and Salton Sea to riffs on the Talmud that suggest Cohen’s faith isn’t entirely a put-on.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2023

He described the unorthodox and at times controversial comedian Andy Kaufman as “the pre-eminent put-on artist of his generation” and “a pioneering practitioner of various cultural trends long before they ever became trends.”

From New York Times ● Mar. 28, 2023

This sounds heavy, but “Emergency” possesses an extraordinarily light touch, with Williams moving the action along at a satisfying trot and Dávila’s dialogue never feeling preachy or put-on.

From Washington Post ● May 18, 2022

Ximena’s snarkiness, by the way, was completely put-on.

From "Auggie & Me" by R. J. Palacio

The Cincinnati Bengals put on a show as the NFL's international series continued while the Green Bay Packers outclassed one of last season's Super Bowl teams.

From BBC ● Nov. 9, 2026

She’s been told to put on her “big boy pants,” to smile more.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 6, 2026

Married at First Sight UK usually starts airing in September, but the new series was put on hold following the revelations in the Panorama.

From BBC ● Nov. 5, 2026

He was fined, sentenced to five days in jail, and put on probation for three years.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 4, 2026

Tansy put on her hat, and Dad took her to school in the wagon for her first day.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck