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 National Deaf Children's Society advised Hasbro on the portrayal of deafness, including different types of hearing loss, and Arnold helped the team craft language, tone and authentic family support for preschool audiences, the toy company said. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026

Overall, Lighton sought to be nuanced in his portrayal of the couple. —Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026

There’s also the good, sure work of Chris Cooper as an honest man struggling against adversity, and the reserved but effective portrayal rendered by Schroder. —Miles Beller, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026

Dormer broke out with her portrayal of Anne Boleyn in Showtime’s The Tudors before going on to broader recognition with her six-season turn as Margaery Tyrell on Game of Thrones. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 3 Feb. 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