portrayal

noun

por·​tray·​al pȯr-ˈtrā(-ə)l 

pər-

1

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

2

: portrait

Synonyms

• definition
• delineation
• depiction
• description
• picture
• portrait
• portraiture
• rendering
• sketch
• vignette

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

Evans, a noted historian of modern Germany, complicates earlier portrayals of these figures as either bloodthirsty psychopaths or the inevitable product of historical forces. —The New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2024

Hill-Johnson hopes to revive the project to offer an honest portrayal of what happened to Bad Boy’s first breakout artist. —Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2024

From her portrayal of Tina Turner in What’s Love Got To Do With It to her role as Ramonda in the box office hit Black Panther, Bassett’s face is a constant presence on the big screens. —Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 16 Aug. 2024

The former world champion boxer brought such a raw intensity and presence to her portrayal of Iñupiat state trooper Evangeline Navarro. —Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

portrayal

noun

por·​tray·​al pōr-ˈtrā(-ə)l 

pȯr-

1

: the act or process of portraying : representation

2

: portrait sense 1