1
as in to describe
to give a representation or account of in words
the author portrays her characters with lifelike vividness
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to characterize
to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group
traditionally, European authors portrayed the natives as wise and noble
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3
as in to depict
to present a picture of
a landscape that portrays the scenery near the town where the painter grew up
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4
as in to play
to present a portrayal or performance of
gained fame portraying Susan B. Anthony in a one-woman show
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of portray
John Hurt previously portrayed Merrick in director David Lynch's 1980 film The Elephant Man, and a number of high-profile actors — including Bradley Cooper, David Bowie, Billy Crudup and Mark Hamill — have starred in different productions of Pomerance's play on the stage.
—
Tommy McArdle, People.com, 1 May 2025
Before King, Summer was portrayed by Lindsay Bushman, Samantha Bailey, and an assortment of twin child actors, including Elara and Rhea Kerwin, and Bianca and Chiara D’Ambrosio.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 1 May 2025
The Emerald, Jameson notes, portrays both envy and passion in every sip.
—Jenn Rice, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
In the slightly longer term, Edward Berger’s Oscar-winning papal drama Conclave has led to a sense of intrigue in terms of the succession process and who may replace Francis, who was himself portrayed by Jonathan Pryce in Fernando Meirelles 2019 movie The Two Popes.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for portray
Tommy McArdle, People.com, 1 May 2025
Before King, Summer was portrayed by Lindsay Bushman, Samantha Bailey, and an assortment of twin child actors, including Elara and Rhea Kerwin, and Bianca and Chiara D’Ambrosio.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 1 May 2025
The Emerald, Jameson notes, portrays both envy and passion in every sip.
—Jenn Rice, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
In the slightly longer term, Edward Berger’s Oscar-winning papal drama Conclave has led to a sense of intrigue in terms of the succession process and who may replace Francis, who was himself portrayed by Jonathan Pryce in Fernando Meirelles 2019 movie The Two Popes.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for portray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portray
Verb
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Over hours of harrowing testimony, Cassie described acquiescing to Diddy.—
Victoria Bekiempis,
Vulture,
13 May 2025
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But his budget is more accurately described as a major policy shift—and a very beneficial one.—
Jack Spencer,
Boston Herald,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Symptoms of Preeclampsia It's characterized by high blood pressure that usually develops after the 20th week of pregnancy, says Dr. Reed.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
15 May 2025
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Lastly, Bowman is being characterized as someone who wants massive deregulation of banks which, while ideal (see the above discussion of Supervision), doesn’t play well at the Fed.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
Verb
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Currently in production and slated for a 2026 release, the action thriller depicts a biotechnology conference that descends into chaos when a rapidly mutating virus transforms the infected, forcing authorities to seal off the facility with survivors trapped inside.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
13 May 2025
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The artworks depict subjects like a tree outside a window, a living room and a waterfront in Zurich.—
Sonja Anderson,
Smithsonian Magazine,
13 May 2025
Verb
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While physicians don’t have a definitive answer as to why heart failure typically causes cognitive decline, the following factors may play a role: Changes to the heart.—
Kaitlin Sullivan,
Health,
16 May 2025
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In his new Max series premiering Thursday, Duster, Holloway plays an Arizona getaway driver in the early 1970s.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2025
Verb
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The drop represents the first month-to-month decline since October 2024.—
Jane Onyanga-Omara,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
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There have been instances in which white farmers in the country have been killed in racially motivated attacks, but such crimes do not represent a disproportionate share of the murders in the country, which struggles with a high rate of violent crime.—
Ali Breland,
The Atlantic,
15 May 2025
Verb
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Like her older sisters Elle and Jane, Hansen has helped carry on a winning tradition at Cohasset as a hybrid athlete with the ability to perform just about anything on the field with success.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2025
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Ancelotti is the epitome of a man-manager, able to empower his players to perform to their best of their ability without requiring too much tactical instruction.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
Verb
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However, India would later interpret the treaty as final, claiming the territory as part of India.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
8 May 2025
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Furthermore, who’s to say my rendering couldn’t be interpreted as an artistic choice or even, in some cases, an improvement?—
Sherry Kuehl,
Kansas City Star,
7 May 2025
Verb
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Like the Kearns have done, families could split into different rooms, as well, depending on the age of their children.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
12 May 2025
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Additionally, if there are any steps that are confusing, now is the time to do the research or watch a video.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
11 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Portray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portray. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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