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

In many ways, Therese is the picture of earnestness (right down to her appearance in Rooney Mara’s film portrayal—her eyes wider than the rims of Carol’s martini glasses). — Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026

The film received a very positive reception but its nearly four-hour runtime and the deeply unsettling nature of Gibney’s portrayal also seemed to have exhausted the crowd. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

Cruz achingly creates a portrayal of a woman, if not quite under the influence, who isn’t sure of her place anymore. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026

Suffice it to say, a QB's rookie year is not always an accurate portrayal of the player that QB will become. — Austin Mock, New York Times, 7 Sep. 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