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.
Burstein in particular grounds the production, with a heart-on-his-sleeve portrayal of Jon. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Dec. 2025 In a recent interview with , Ferreira’s attorney Todd Pomerleau said that his client has no criminal record and maintains close ties to the Leavitt family, contrary to the administration’s portrayal. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025 Overall, two in three respondents (67%) agree on the importance of realistic portrayals of menopause on screen (72% men, 63% women). Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 5 Dec. 2025 What does matter is that neither entity presents a fair, accurate, or unbiased portrayal of current events to taxpaying citizens. David Folkenflik, NPR, 5 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 13 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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