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

Frankenstein is nominated for nine Academy Awards, including nods for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor, the latter for Jacob Elordi's portrayal of the tragic monster. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026

Robert De Niro won the first award of the evening — best supporting actor, for his portrayal of the young Vito Corleone. —Paul Fischer, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026

But his candid portrayal of challenges and tech goals on Thursday was far more measured in tone. —Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026

Then, in 2023, Yara Shahidi (Black-ish) played Tinker Bell in the live-action film Peter Pan & Wendy — a portrayal that existed within the larger Peter Pan story rather than giving Tink her own spotlight. —Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 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