portrays; portrayed; portraying
1
: to describe (someone or something) in a particular way
The White House has portrayed the President as deeply conflicted over the matter.
The lawyer portrayed his client as a victim of child abuse.
He portrayed himself as a victim.
2
: to show (someone or something) in a painting, book, etc.
The painting portrays the queen in a purple robe.
The novel portrays [=depicts] life in a small southern town.
3
: to play (a character) in a film, play, or television show
Laurence Olivier portrayed Hamlet beautifully.
Cite this Entry
“Portray.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/portray. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.
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