portrayal

noun

por·​tray·​al pȯr-ˈtrā(-ə)l How to pronounce portrayal (audio)
pər-
Synonyms of portrayalnext
1
: the act or process or an instance of portraying : representation
2

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The triple Golden Globe Award nominee picks up the role after portrayals from DeForest Kelley, who originated the character on the original Star Trek series from 1966 to 1969, and Karl Urban, who assumed the role of McCoy for the Star Trek reboot series that began with the 2009 relaunch. Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Dec. 2025 Actors portraying Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were among the mourners, along with a portrayal of John Wilkes Booth, Abraham Lincoln’s assassin, FOX 10 reported. Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025 Yet rather than see their own role in immiserating Iranians, outside powers have made politically charged, exaggerated, and selective portrayals of the Islamic Republic as a violator of human rights. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Foreign Affairs, 22 Dec. 2025 Sink’s portrayal of Max, now living in the in-between of Vecna’s memories, is a stand-out performance. Emily Longeretta, Variety, 18 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for portrayal

Word History

Etymology

portray + -al entry 2

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of portrayal was in 1843

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Portrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portrayal. Accessed 26 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

portrayal

noun
por·​tray·​al pōr-ˈtrā(-ə)l How to pronounce portrayal (audio)
pȯr-
1
: the act or process of portraying : representation
2

More from Merriam-Webster on portrayal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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