depiction
noun
de·pic·tion
di-ˈpik-shən 
dē-
plural depictions
: a representation in words or images of someone or something
The book is fascinating in its depiction of the country's early history.
The first part of the book … is a depiction of the nearly lost world of a North American hunter-gatherer community.—
Timothy Egan
Timothy EganThe late Vermont artist Stephen Huneck made works that are instantly recognizable—bright, accessible, folky depictions of dogs enjoying themselves.—James Heflin
James HeflinBy comparison with the depiction of domesticity in such 1950s staples as The Donna Reed Show and Ozzie and Harriet, the portrait of family life on The Dick Van Dyke Show, the emblematic sitcom of the early 1960s, seemed staggering in its sheer smartness and casual elegance.—Bruce Bawer
Bruce BawerExamples of depiction in a Sentence
the set piece of the novel is a depiction of the battle that makes readers feel like they were there
Recent Examples on the Web
Over the years, Super Bowl advertisers have had to apologize for everything from a racist depiction of an African runner (a spot from Just for Feet in 1999) to the inclusion of a suicidal robot (a General Motors ad in 2007).
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026
In the 222 years since declaring its independence, the Caribbean country and its people has consistently found itself as the target of American derision—from Thomas Jefferson’s refusal to acknowledge Haiti's independence to Trump’s inaccurate depiction of Haitians.
—Ruth Jean-Marie, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
According to the outlet, the belief is that photos or other physical depictions, such as paintings or film, can encourage vanity and individualism — traits that conflict with their emphasis on humility.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 3 Feb. 2026
Spooky depictions of Harry Potter's Lord Voldemort and Alice in Wonderland's Queen of Hearts recognized British children's literature.
—Lydia Price, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026
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Brian Steinberg, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026
In the 222 years since declaring its independence, the Caribbean country and its people has consistently found itself as the target of American derision—from Thomas Jefferson’s refusal to acknowledge Haiti's independence to Trump’s inaccurate depiction of Haitians.
—Ruth Jean-Marie, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
According to the outlet, the belief is that photos or other physical depictions, such as paintings or film, can encourage vanity and individualism — traits that conflict with their emphasis on humility.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 3 Feb. 2026
Spooky depictions of Harry Potter's Lord Voldemort and Alice in Wonderland's Queen of Hearts recognized British children's literature.
—Lydia Price, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for depiction
Cite this Entry
“Depiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depiction. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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