portrayal

noun

por·​tray·​al pȯr-ˈtrā(-ə)l 

pər-

1

: the act or process or an instance of portraying : representation

2

: portrait

Synonyms of portrayal

• depiction
• description
• portrait
• picture

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

China operates one of the world’s most extensive online censorship and surveillance regimes that scrubs political dissent and criticism of the ruling Communist Party’s leadership and ideologies, including a drive against feminine portrayals of men in pop culture. —Steven Jiang, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025

Best known for her portrayal of Jessica Pearson on the hit series Suits and its spinoff Pearson, Torres became the first Afro-Latina to create, star in, and produce a television series with the latter. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 Nov. 2025

Her portrayal of the second-oldest Bennet sister earned her Golden Globe and Oscar nominations. —Ariana Quihuiz, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025

Though the sequel trilogy has received plenty of criticism and backlash, Driver's portrayal of Kylo Ren/Ben Solo remains a talking point for fans of the franchise. —James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

portray + -al entry 2

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for portrayal

• betrayal

Kids Definition

portrayal

noun

por·​tray·​al pōr-ˈtrā(-ə)l 

pȯr-

1

: the act or process of portraying : representation

2

: portrait sense 1