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

Jessie Buckley is the presumptive best actress front-runner heading into the Oscars for her moving portrayal of Agnes. —Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026

Stewart’s screen credits include his portrayal of Capt. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026

She is best known for her portrayals of Glinda in Wicked (Broadway and National Tour), Sherrie in Rock of Ages (Broadway and Las Vegas), Rose in Titanique (Off-Broadway), and Lauren in the closing cast of the Tony Award winner for Best Musical Kinky Boots on Broadway. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2026

The characters’ propensity for ugly faces, silliness and a bit of grossness too, stems from the portrayals of girlhood and young womanhood that appeal to them. —Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 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