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

The late Vermont artist Stephen Huneck made works that are instantly recognizable—bright, accessible, folky depictions of dogs enjoying themselves.

—James Heflin

By 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

Synonyms of depiction

• description
• portrait
• portrayal
• picture

Examples 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

The technical execution of the project is thrilling, and so is the show’s depiction of how modern media affects the minds and actions of teenage boys. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Jan. 2026

The depiction of women in this movie is not okay. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Jan. 2026

Low-income housing developments and public parks serve as settings for monumental depictions of African American life. —James Meyer, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026

In response to Weiss’ decision and comments, 60 Minutes correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi sent her colleagues a message challenging Weiss’ decision and depiction of the story’s vetting. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 31 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1688, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for depiction

• addiction
• affliction
• constriction
• conviction
• eviction
• infliction
• nonfiction
• prediction
• restriction
• antifriction
• benediction
• contradiction