as in depiction
a vivid representation in words of someone or something
his novel presents a moving portrayal of a woman searching for personal fulfillment and happiness
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Recent Examples of portrayal
The casual portrayal of the love between these two men was groundbreaking in 1975.
—
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 31 Mar. 2026
The film remains one of the most recognizable romantic dramas of the modern era, frequently cited for its portrayal of long‑term commitment and emotional intimacy.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
The plays are characterized by their uncompromising portrayals of the Black experience and the playwright’s dexterity of language.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Brie’s Evil-Lyn portrayal comes after the character was originally voiced by Linda Gary in the 1983-’85 cartoon, based on the 1982 Mattel toys, with Meg Foster originating the role’s live-action portrayal in Masters of the Universe (1987).
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for portrayal
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 31 Mar. 2026
The film remains one of the most recognizable romantic dramas of the modern era, frequently cited for its portrayal of long‑term commitment and emotional intimacy.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
The plays are characterized by their uncompromising portrayals of the Black experience and the playwright’s dexterity of language.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Brie’s Evil-Lyn portrayal comes after the character was originally voiced by Linda Gary in the 1983-’85 cartoon, based on the 1982 Mattel toys, with Meg Foster originating the role’s live-action portrayal in Masters of the Universe (1987).
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for portrayal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portrayal
Noun
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These lofty ambitions have fueled decades of space movies and inspired generations with their depictions of intrepid space voyagers.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
30 Mar. 2026
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The Royals will get an accurate depiction of their current makeup this weekend.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Deputies said there is no suspect or vehicle description at this time, and the investigation continues.—
Brandon Downs,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
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The detectives trying to identify the woman reached out to the Star-Telegram for help and the newspaper ran the story in the Sunday newspaper, giving a description of the woman and the car, as well as the license plate number.—
Kevin Foster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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That family portrait is so weird!—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
27 Mar. 2026
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Along with the album cover, the shared a new black and white portrait of himself, captured by daughter Mary McCartney.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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With Young looking to earn a long-term extension and push the Panthers forward in the NFC playoff picture, Pickett’s insight and experience could be valuable assets during the upcoming campaign.—
Mike Kaye
March 31,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
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Well, that definitely paints a vivid picture.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Portrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portrayal. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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