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

Ryan Murphy’s American Love Story kick-started a wave of nostalgia across the internet and turned Sarah Pidgeon into a star for her portrayal of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy (the fashion designer’s VIP publicist for eight years until her death). — Danielle Directo-Meston, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2026

The series has been praised for its heartfelt storylines and realistic portrayals of grief, loneliness, and the process of processing it all. — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

For those uninitiated, Amazon Prime’s latest college drama, Off Campus, has sparked a dedicated following for its respectful portrayal of friendships, fun, and even, puck buddies bunnies. — Elle Turner, Glamour, 18 June 2026

For the latter, she's earned a SAG Award (now the Actor Awards) and two Emmy nods for her portrayal of Alex Levy on the drama. — Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 18 June 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