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
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Recent Examples of portrayal
In the campaign, Alexander, 66, harkens back to his portrayal of George Costanza on Seinfeld.
—
Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
His performance here most recalls his tragicomic portrayal of John Brown, the heroic but unhinged abolitionist whose quixotic raid on Harpers Ferry helped catalyze the Civil War, in Showtime’s 2020 adaptation of James McBride’s The Good Lord Bird.
—Judy Berman, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
Trump has claimed these policies have caused an increase in crime perpetrated by immigrants, but Bay Area leaders were fierce in their condemnation of that portrayal.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 23 Sep. 2025
The discussion featuring art historian Jennifer Stern will cover Rembrandt’s portrayals of the Jewish community in 17th-century Amsterdam.
—La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for portrayal
Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
His performance here most recalls his tragicomic portrayal of John Brown, the heroic but unhinged abolitionist whose quixotic raid on Harpers Ferry helped catalyze the Civil War, in Showtime’s 2020 adaptation of James McBride’s The Good Lord Bird.
—Judy Berman, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
Trump has claimed these policies have caused an increase in crime perpetrated by immigrants, but Bay Area leaders were fierce in their condemnation of that portrayal.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 23 Sep. 2025
The discussion featuring art historian Jennifer Stern will cover Rembrandt’s portrayals of the Jewish community in 17th-century Amsterdam.
—La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for portrayal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portrayal
Noun
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The town's growing acknowledgement of its past comes at an odd time for a county that voted 76% for the president in 2024, which since being reelected has tried to erase negative depictions of the country's past.—
Jenna McMurtry,
NPR,
28 Sep. 2025
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Seriously though, the chemistry between Stewart and O’Brian is off the charts, which is all too rare for cinematic depictions of gender-nonconforming women.—
James Factora,
Them.,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The glass, etched with descriptions in Greek and hieroglyphics, was a foundation plate that said the temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
26 Sep. 2025
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Pierce also reportedly told professors that any mentions of trans identity must be taken out of course descriptions, while textbook chapters on trans identity must be omitted entirely.—
Abby Monteil,
Them.,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Uzbek artist Feruza Kholkhujaeva filled courtyards with potted plants that will slowly die, a portrait of grief.—
Dada Jovanovic,
ABC News,
28 Sep. 2025
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Wolitzer’s debut novel, about a trio of college students each obsessed with a different dead poet, is both a striking coming-of-age story and a compelling portrait of grief.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
Noun
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There are pictures of them making out online.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
26 Sep. 2025
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While the movie was stalled, Garner and Madonna remained in each others orbit, with the two posing for a picture at photographer and filmmaker Steven Klein’s May 2023 birthday party.—
Daniel S. Levine,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Portrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portrayal. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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