1
as in to describe
to give a representation or account of in words
the author portrays her characters with lifelike vividness
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to characterize
to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group
traditionally, European authors portrayed the natives as wise and noble
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3
as in to depict
to present a picture of
a landscape that portrays the scenery near the town where the painter grew up
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4
as in to play
to present a portrayal or performance of
gained fame portraying Susan B. Anthony in a one-woman show
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of portray
Sweeney portrays boxing champion Christy Salters Martin, who survived an ex-husband's brutal attack on her life in 2010.
—
Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Mangione's image has been merged into memes with Nintendo's Luigi, portraying him as a vigilante avenger of systemic injustice.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
The practical locations used to portray the Thai outpost of the titular fictional resort chain, as well as many of the of the other settings, were spread across two islands, Koh Samu and Phuket.
—Carole Horst, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has portrayed the attack as a peacemaking action that could hasten the end of the war.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for portray
Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Mangione's image has been merged into memes with Nintendo's Luigi, portraying him as a vigilante avenger of systemic injustice.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
The practical locations used to portray the Thai outpost of the titular fictional resort chain, as well as many of the of the other settings, were spread across two islands, Koh Samu and Phuket.
—Carole Horst, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has portrayed the attack as a peacemaking action that could hasten the end of the war.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for portray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portray
Verb
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But the shift may be broader, as newsrooms both describe a cultural shift and, at least in some cases, embody it.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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The panel studying those cases released a report last year describing how the state child welfare agency missed warning signs and failed to protect dozens of children from dying of the illicit drug.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In an essay published in Vogue, longtime magazine editor Anna Wintour characterized Armani as a steely, dedicated and, above all, innovative force in the fashion industry.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
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In a 69-page ruling, Judge Edward Chen of the Northern District of California characterized the decision of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to end TPS for Haiti and Venezuela as capricious, arbitrary and beyond the scope of her authority.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Children play with a ball in front of a mural depicting the Brazilian World Cup football team at the Rocinha favela in Rio de Janeiro on November 23, 2022.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
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Christy costars Ben Foster as Martin's manager-turned-husband James, initially depicted as loving and supportive (one shot shows Christy gleefully leaping into his arms after winning a match), but eventually revealed as possessive and dangerous.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Fashion and sociology experts say that, when examining the significance of any bold fashion statement such as Robbie's, context plays an important role.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
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The Yankees played an integral part in the remembrance of 9/11.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Qassam’s popularity represented a shift in Mandate Arab politics, signaling discontent with the status quo.—
Sean Durns,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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Keegan Bradley is currently shouldering the immense pressure of representing American golf, a burden that will only intensify as the Ryder Cup draws near.—
Julio Cesar Valdera Morales,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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During the annual Rhythm & Roots Reunion festival, Shanghai is the first to set up a stage for performing bands.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
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Around the same time, police reported Tammy's death as suspicious and performed an autopsy, with her cause of death being declared asphyxiation.—
Jessica Sager,
PEOPLE,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Implement explainability tools that surface the logic behind AI decisions, establish clear accountability frameworks and train leadership on how to interpret AI behavior.—
Christer Holloman,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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Without critical thinking, learners struggle to interpret information, resist misleading narratives, or build the confidence needed to succeed on tests, in careers, and in civic life.—
Sixteen Ramos,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Ford dropped it from the Explorer’s retail lineup, but continues to offer it in police vehicles, which benefit from its ability to power AC and other accessories without running the engine when parked, as patrol vehicles often spend lots of time doing.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
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Never follow your boyfriend to college, especially a seemingly mediocre college, as Belly does with Jeremiah to the fictional Finch.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Portray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portray. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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