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 Bawer
Synonyms
Examples of depiction in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In its depiction of a secretary from Staten Island (Melanie Griffith) trying to get ahead on Wall Street, the film delightfully punctures many of the myths of the go-go ‘80s, creating a class comedy with both fizz and bite.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 24 Nov. 2023
Queen Elizabeth wore the accessory numerous times throughout her 70 years on the throne, including in depictions of her on some British and Commonwealth banknotes and coins.
—Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 21 Nov. 2023
The iPad’s screen switched over to a camera view: actual cobblestoned street (Mercedes delivery van, porta-potty, e-bikes), actual crowded sidewalk, all overlaid with a larger-than-life digital depiction of Mary Jones in a white dress, holding a sunflower in one hand and a wallet in the other.
—Adam Iscoe, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2023
Morgan doesn’t offer a whirlwind romance but a depiction of a comforting friendship that had only started to blossom and was exacerbated by public perception and familial obligation.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 16 Nov. 2023
In Washington, two political parties that agree on almost nothing are united in their depictions of China as a geopolitical rival and a mortal threat to middle-class security.
—Peter S. Goodman, New York Times, 14 Nov. 2023
The watch displays Hebrew numerals; embossed on the back is a depiction of Moses holding the Ten Commandments.
—Justine McDaniel, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2023
Though Priscilla was involved in the film’s production as an executive producer, the larger Presley estate has unsurprisingly been critical of the film’s depiction of Elvis.
—Nadine Smith, Pitchfork, 8 Nov. 2023
The accessory comes in eight designs, including a basic carbon black hue, a black-and-white topographic Yellowstone pattern, a shopper-favorite watercolor world map print, and the celestial, starry sky depiction.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 12 Nov. 2023
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Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 24 Nov. 2023
Queen Elizabeth wore the accessory numerous times throughout her 70 years on the throne, including in depictions of her on some British and Commonwealth banknotes and coins.
—Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 21 Nov. 2023
The iPad’s screen switched over to a camera view: actual cobblestoned street (Mercedes delivery van, porta-potty, e-bikes), actual crowded sidewalk, all overlaid with a larger-than-life digital depiction of Mary Jones in a white dress, holding a sunflower in one hand and a wallet in the other.
—Adam Iscoe, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2023
Morgan doesn’t offer a whirlwind romance but a depiction of a comforting friendship that had only started to blossom and was exacerbated by public perception and familial obligation.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 16 Nov. 2023
In Washington, two political parties that agree on almost nothing are united in their depictions of China as a geopolitical rival and a mortal threat to middle-class security.
—Peter S. Goodman, New York Times, 14 Nov. 2023
The watch displays Hebrew numerals; embossed on the back is a depiction of Moses holding the Ten Commandments.
—Justine McDaniel, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2023
Though Priscilla was involved in the film’s production as an executive producer, the larger Presley estate has unsurprisingly been critical of the film’s depiction of Elvis.
—Nadine Smith, Pitchfork, 8 Nov. 2023
The accessory comes in eight designs, including a basic carbon black hue, a black-and-white topographic Yellowstone pattern, a shopper-favorite watercolor world map print, and the celestial, starry sky depiction.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 12 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'depiction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1688, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near depiction
Cite this Entry
“Depiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depiction. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on depiction
Nglish: Translation of depiction for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of depiction for Arabic Speakers
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