1
as in describes
to give a representation or account of in words
this letter from an eyewitness depicts the battle in greater detail than any other account
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in characterizes
to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group
the report depicted him as a reliable assistant and an employee who could be entrusted with any task
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in portrays
to present a picture of
the painting depicts a pastoral landscape on a summer day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of depicts
The painting, a collaboration between the Glenview Art League, residents and Chicago artist Anne Farley Gaines, depicts a bridge on the North Branch of the Chicago River and will run parallel to the river.
—
Jennifer Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Degrees of estrangement are common in dysfunctional families, and this book depicts their slippery, progressive nature.
—Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
The image, which NASA shared to celebrate the Hubble telescope's 36th anniversary, depicts a star-forming region known as the Trifid Nebula.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
The suit included some versions of Indiana’s trademark work, LOVE, which depicts the word love in lively serif characters, the LO situated atop the VE, with the O placed at an angle.
—Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
In a 2019 episode of American Dad, a storyline humorously depicts a character claiming to have invented the high five before Dusty Baker is shown taking credit, turning the historical debate into satire.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026
Another depicts them as Simpsons characters.
—Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
One, largely blurred, depicts officers rendering aid to Mays.
—Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
The most disturbing tableau depicts Cassie as a baby, sucking on a pacifier and spreading her legs.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026
Jennifer Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Degrees of estrangement are common in dysfunctional families, and this book depicts their slippery, progressive nature.
—Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
The image, which NASA shared to celebrate the Hubble telescope's 36th anniversary, depicts a star-forming region known as the Trifid Nebula.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
The suit included some versions of Indiana’s trademark work, LOVE, which depicts the word love in lively serif characters, the LO situated atop the VE, with the O placed at an angle.
—Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
In a 2019 episode of American Dad, a storyline humorously depicts a character claiming to have invented the high five before Dusty Baker is shown taking credit, turning the historical debate into satire.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026
Another depicts them as Simpsons characters.
—Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
One, largely blurred, depicts officers rendering aid to Mays.
—Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
The most disturbing tableau depicts Cassie as a baby, sucking on a pacifier and spreading her legs.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depicts
Verb
-
And that describes this Panthers offense to a tee.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The geological formation has been studied for decades, and that long record of scientific interest shapes how the company describes its role.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But no such device exists for the way Trump characterizes it — at least not when math is done correctly.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The author characterizes Huntington Beach itself as an inherently self-aggrandizing, wealthy coastal enclave unrepresentative of broader California concerns, dismissing the notion that this affluent beach town should serve as a model for statewide governance or the state’s future direction.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Playing a young Michael is Juliano Krue Valdi, while Colman Domingo portrays patriarch Joe Jackson, who managed Michael and his brothers in the Jackson 5, and daughters Rebbie Jackson, La Toya Jackson and Janet Jackson.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Jaafar Jackson, the singer’s real-life nephew, portrays Michael Jackson in his acting debut, with Colman Domingo and Nia Long as parents, Joe and Katherine.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Mendoza represents a fundamental (and drastic) upgrade at QB.—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The loss of Kidal represents a significant blow to Russia’s credibility in Mali, where the military junta has relied on mercenaries to combat Islamic extremism.—
Wilson Mcmakin,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Depicts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depicts. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
