portrayal

noun

por·​tray·​al pȯr-ˈtrā(-ə)l How to pronounce portrayal (audio)
pər-
1
: the act or process or an instance of portraying : representation
2

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
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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

Word History

Etymology

portray + -al entry 2

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of portrayal was in 1843

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Portrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portrayal. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

portrayal

noun
por·​tray·​al pōr-ˈtrā(-ə)l How to pronounce portrayal (audio)
pȯr-
1
: the act or process of portraying : representation
2

More from Merriam-Webster on portrayal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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