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

Some of Lakshmana’s actions complicate an idealized portrayal of his devotion. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

And the film doesn’t let Seyfried off the hook either, forcing her to confront how her portrayal in The Dropout might have been painful for Holmes, despite clearly being fictionalized to allow for taking a few liberties with the facts. — ArsTechnica, 30 Oct. 2026

Period portrayals have come a long way in recent years, from Broad City’s period pants to Turning Red’s metaphorical red panda. — Fiorella Valdesolo, Allure, 30 Oct. 2026

There is no ‘Logan’ without his brave portrayal of Charles Xavier. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 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