as in description
a vivid representation in words of someone or something
the set piece of the novel is a depiction of the battle that makes readers feel like they were there
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of depiction
Over the years, Super Bowl advertisers have had to apologize for everything from a racist depiction of an African runner (a spot from Just for Feet in 1999) to the inclusion of a suicidal robot (a General Motors ad in 2007).
—
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026
Using the cattle drive, a device that is to Western legend as prohibition is to that other staple of pop American theology, the gangster fable, TV’s Lonesome Dove creates a moving (in both senses of the word) depiction of the never-never-land/once-upon-a-time West of reconstructed recollection.
—Miles Beller, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026
In the 222 years since declaring its independence, the Caribbean country and its people has consistently found itself as the target of American derision—from Thomas Jefferson’s refusal to acknowledge Haiti's independence to Trump’s inaccurate depiction of Haitians.
—Ruth Jean-Marie, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
According to the outlet, the belief is that photos or other physical depictions, such as paintings or film, can encourage vanity and individualism — traits that conflict with their emphasis on humility.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for depiction
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026
Using the cattle drive, a device that is to Western legend as prohibition is to that other staple of pop American theology, the gangster fable, TV’s Lonesome Dove creates a moving (in both senses of the word) depiction of the never-never-land/once-upon-a-time West of reconstructed recollection.
—Miles Beller, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026
In the 222 years since declaring its independence, the Caribbean country and its people has consistently found itself as the target of American derision—from Thomas Jefferson’s refusal to acknowledge Haiti's independence to Trump’s inaccurate depiction of Haitians.
—Ruth Jean-Marie, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
According to the outlet, the belief is that photos or other physical depictions, such as paintings or film, can encourage vanity and individualism — traits that conflict with their emphasis on humility.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for depiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depiction
Noun
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The name and description of the suspect have not been released, and Pittsburgh police are investigating.—
Patrick Damp,
CBS News,
7 Feb. 2026
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City surveillance footage showed Coleman driving an ATV matching the vehicle’s description, according to the probable cause statement.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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My photographs—portraits, landscapes, still lives, and spaces both vast and claustrophobic—reveal cultural double standards and impermanence.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Feb. 2026
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Focusing on Mapplethorpe’s aesthetic research, the exhibition features over 200 works, tracing the evolution of Mapplethorpe’s visual language through themes like portraits, self-portraits, flowers and nudes.—
Andrea Onate,
Footwear News,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Jennifer Hudson, who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Effie White in Bill Condon’s 2006 film adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls, is joining the producing team of the stage revival heading to Broadway this fall.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2026
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The portrayal has been widely denounced as racist, with some Republican lawmakers also slamming the video.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Written and performed Kentucky natives Nick Jamerson and Kris Bentley, the this song is love note to Kentucky which paints a nostalgic picture of familiar landscapes like old barns, tobacco patches, and the specific, winding journey of the Kentucky Mountain Parkway.—
Kirby Adams,
Louisville Courier Journal,
9 Feb. 2026
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Oliver Weiken—picture alliance/Getty Images As the top-scoring qualifier, Gremaud was the final competitor to take her first turn, following Gu.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Depiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depiction. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
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