portrayal

noun

por·​tray·​al pȯr-ˈtrā(-ə)l How to pronounce portrayal (audio)
pər-
1
: the act or process or an instance of portraying : representation
2

Examples of portrayal in a Sentence

his novel presents a moving portrayal of a woman searching for personal fulfillment and happiness
Recent Examples on the Web
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Redford's career spanned decades, but his portrayal of Death as a quiet guide remains one of his most haunting and human performances. Hannah Parry amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025 Alan is a married man tempted by things that could be, but his friendship with Roger grounds the story in a rare portrayal of Black male vulnerability. Okla Jones, Essence, 16 Sep. 2025 Jerome wowed viewers and critics alike for his portrayal as one of the teens, Korey Wise. Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025 The actor, nominated for a third time in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series category for his portrayal of Carmy Berzatto on The Bear, had to miss Sunday's ceremony in Los Angeles to attend his best friend's wedding, Entertainment Weekly has confirmed. Jessica Wang, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for portrayal

Word History

Etymology

portray + -al entry 2

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of portrayal was in 1843

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Portrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portrayal. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

portrayal

noun
por·​tray·​al pōr-ˈtrā(-ə)l How to pronounce portrayal (audio)
pȯr-
1
: the act or process of portraying : representation
2

More from Merriam-Webster on portrayal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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