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
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Others featured in the show have similarly criticized their portrayals. Brooke Migdon, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026 Unlike her comic book counterpart, who frequently pressured Wilson to leave his criminal empire behind, Zurer’s portrayal of Vanessa has been complicit — and downright integral — to Kingpin’s operations. Antonio Ferme, Variety, 15 Apr. 2026 Fatone, Mulvihill and Sarlanis all say Boy Band Confidential doesn’t seek to paint a wholly damning portrayal of the boy band life, but rather to show resilience and hope, pointing toward the documentary’s end, which depicts many of the subjects moving on with their lives. Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2026 The Oscar-winning actor Gregory Peck, perhaps best known for his dignified portrayal of Atticus Finch in the 1962 film adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, originally hails from the San Diego area. Juliana Ukiomogbe, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Portrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portrayal. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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

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