as in depiction
a vivid representation in words of someone or something
his novel presents a moving portrayal of a woman searching for personal fulfillment and happiness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of portrayal
For his portrayal of Jacob, Yeun was also nominated for a Screen Actors Guild, Critics Choice, and Independent Spirt Award.
—
Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Apr. 2026
Sickert is showcased here for both his impressionistic instincts and his portrayal of previously taboo art subjects such as prostitutes and the impoverished.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026
Others featured in the show have similarly criticized their portrayals.
—Brooke Migdon, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
The Oscar-winning actor Gregory Peck, perhaps best known for his dignified portrayal of Atticus Finch in the 1962 film adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, originally hails from the San Diego area.
—Juliana Ukiomogbe, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for portrayal
Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Apr. 2026
Sickert is showcased here for both his impressionistic instincts and his portrayal of previously taboo art subjects such as prostitutes and the impoverished.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026
Others featured in the show have similarly criticized their portrayals.
—Brooke Migdon, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
The Oscar-winning actor Gregory Peck, perhaps best known for his dignified portrayal of Atticus Finch in the 1962 film adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, originally hails from the San Diego area.
—Juliana Ukiomogbe, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for portrayal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portrayal
Noun
-
Three episodes into its third season, Euphoria delivers a Cassie crashout more theatrical than the time her sister Lexi wrote an extremely unflattering depiction of Cassie into the school play.—
Zoe Papelis,
Vulture,
27 Apr. 2026
-
But those sequences had to be removed after producers discovered a clause in the settlement with the young accuser that barred the depiction or mention of him in film or television.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In some cases the description is accurate, but the reality is complicated.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Providing the exact location of a potential burglary, suspect description and vehicle description (including the make/model/color of the car) will help officers respond quickly before the confrontation escalates to prevent future crime.—
Claire Murphy,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Cohen has also been working on a documentary about Leaf, as well as a tender short film called Robert and June (and all the time in the world), a dual portrait of Leaf and her husband, the photographer and filmmaker Robert Frank.—
Nicole Rudick,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
-
His portrait was hung up on the city’s honor board.—
Lizzie Johnson,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Somehow, the word, in its double-pronged definition, gets to the heart of these pictures, and perhaps is the key to understanding Hurst himself.—
Chris Wiley,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Nearly three years after their arrests, prosecutors abruptly brought Bryant into their picture of the killing.—
Jennifer Peltz,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Portrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portrayal. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
