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

In its portrayal of cross-gender relations, the series is consistently cruel to women, insulting to men, empathetic toward nobody and cynical about everything. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2026

The writing team also collaborated with Osage cultural consultant Julie O’Keefe to ensure the portrayal of the Osage Nation was accurate. — Emily Zemler, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 July 2026

The report suggests that idealized portrayals of dating on social media may be affecting confidence and expectations, in some cases as much as or more than rejection itself. — Ethan M. Stone, USA Today, 20 July 2026

Forget about military might, imperialism, and portrayals of heroic feats, though. — Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 17 July 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