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

Ramsey confidently steps into the lead role this time around, their portrayal of adult Ellie’s unbridled anger and pathos mirroring the season’s larger meditations on tribalism. —Michael Cuby, Them., 17 Nov. 2025

But in her portrayal, audiences see something deeper. —Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 17 Nov. 2025

Carrey received praise for his portrayal of the Grinch and was even nominated for a Best Actor Golden Globe Award for the role. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 17 Nov. 2025

The sketch began with Ashley Padilla’s portrayal of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt taking questions from journalists, and most of them were asking about the 23,000 emails that were released this week as a result of the House Oversight Committee investigation into the Epstein files. —William Earl, Variety, 16 Nov. 2025

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