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

The Age of Innocence Edith Wharton, 1920 Wharton’s portrayal of 1870s New York society shows a world that is both dazzling and suffocating. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 16 Oct. 2026

And on the day of filming, Brolin broke down in tears after witnessing Merced’s portrayal of the shattered teenager. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026

Others feel a disconnect between Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal of Zuckerberg in The Social Network and Strong’s in Reckoning. — Andrew McGowan, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026

His character had the same condition as Mitte, who received the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award — given in honor of Russell, the first actor with a disability to win an Oscar — in 2013 for the portrayal. — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 13 Oct. 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