Meaning & use

astroturfing

noun·Advanced

The deceptive practice of disguising an organized campaign as spontaneous grassroots support from ordinary people.

See it in a sentence

Journalists uncovered astroturfing behind what appeared to be an independent local protest.

The senator's team was accused of astroturfing social media to inflate support for the bill.

A note on using this word

Astroturfing contrasts with genuine grassroots activism, which arises independently rather than being coordinated by a hidden sponsor.

Words with a similar meaning

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