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

Reflecting on her portrayal of Lena Younger in A Raisin in the Sun, Rashad explained how her understanding of her own family history informed the role. — Dominique Fluker, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Under the Almost Friday umbrella, Collins is best known for his portrayal of the fictional alpha male entrepreneur Royce du Pont. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026

But Sean Hepburn Ferrer thinks Lily Collins’ portrayal of his mom on film could be something special. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026

Gus Birney, Shulman’s real-life daughter, brings an ineffable lightness to Sarah Nell, the joyfulness and sweetness of the portrayal all the more wondrous before of all the darkness that surrounds it. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026

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