portrayal

noun

por·​tray·​al pȯr-ˈtrā(-ə)l 

pər-

1

: the act or process or an instance of portraying : representation

2

: portrait

Synonyms

• 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

Howard shared a heartfelt tribute that featured a carousel of images and clips from the film, as well as side-by-side photos comparing the real-life astronaut with the portrayal by Hanks. —Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2025

No surprise here: Kristi Noem isn’t thrilled with her unflattering portrayal on the most recent episode of South Park. —Andy Swift, TVLine, 8 Aug. 2025

For now, though, her prominent portrayal is sending a message to North Koreans that the Kim family rule will continue into a fourth generation. —Pablo Robles, New York Times, 8 Aug. 2025

Emma Myers as Enid Sinclair Wednesday's roommate, Enid Sinclair, quickly became one of the series' fan favorites, thanks to Emma Myers' portrayal of the werewolf-in-training as a positive (and colorful) influence on the gloomy protagonist. —Karli Bendlin, People.com, 7 Aug. 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