portrayal
noun
por·tray·al
pȯr-ˈtrā(-ə)l 
pər-
1
: the act or process or an instance of portraying : representation
2
: portrait
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
These awards celebrate diverse portrayals of faith and spirituality that are broadly compelling and nuanced.
—
Variety Staff, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025
Script is by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, the writers of Tim Burton’s Ed Wood, which won Martin Landau an Oscar and other top honors for his portrayal of Lugosi at the end of his life.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025
Keaton was involved with Beatty at the time, though her performance hardly takes a backseat to his portrayal of lefty journalist John Reed.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 12 Oct. 2025
Poehler’s portrayal of the attorney general was of an evasive Trump loyalist who loves to play the victim and insult senators.
—William Vaillancourt, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for portrayal
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Variety Staff, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025
Script is by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, the writers of Tim Burton’s Ed Wood, which won Martin Landau an Oscar and other top honors for his portrayal of Lugosi at the end of his life.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025
Keaton was involved with Beatty at the time, though her performance hardly takes a backseat to his portrayal of lefty journalist John Reed.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 12 Oct. 2025
Poehler’s portrayal of the attorney general was of an evasive Trump loyalist who loves to play the victim and insult senators.
—William Vaillancourt, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for portrayal
Cite this Entry
“Portrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portrayal. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
portrayal
noun
por·tray·al
pōr-ˈtrā(-ə)l
pȯr-
1
: the act or process of portraying : representation
2
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