as in description
a vivid representation in words of someone or something
his account created in the jurors' heads a detailed portrait of a lonely old man
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of portrait
See Bob race to keep up with a group of shadowy young skateboarders during a rooftop escape—a resonant portrait of generational slippage.
—
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
From Afghan women wielding mobile phones against Taliban rule, to Gaza’s first para-cycling team, and Iran’s cosmetic industry paradox, urgent portraits of resilience and survival dominated pitches at the 21st Lau Haizetara Documentary Co-Production Forum, part of the San Sebastián Festival.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
The White House has received criticism after unveiling a grand new presidential gallery which features portraits of all the Presidents in chronological order, with one notable exception.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 25 Sep. 2025
Based on Denis Johnson’s beloved novella, Train Dreams is the portrait of Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton), a logger and railroad worker who leads a life of unexpected depth and beauty in the rapidly changing America of the early 20th Century.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for portrait
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
From Afghan women wielding mobile phones against Taliban rule, to Gaza’s first para-cycling team, and Iran’s cosmetic industry paradox, urgent portraits of resilience and survival dominated pitches at the 21st Lau Haizetara Documentary Co-Production Forum, part of the San Sebastián Festival.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
The White House has received criticism after unveiling a grand new presidential gallery which features portraits of all the Presidents in chronological order, with one notable exception.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 25 Sep. 2025
Based on Denis Johnson’s beloved novella, Train Dreams is the portrait of Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton), a logger and railroad worker who leads a life of unexpected depth and beauty in the rapidly changing America of the early 20th Century.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for portrait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portrait
Noun
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The glass, etched with descriptions in Greek and hieroglyphics, was a foundation plate that said the temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
26 Sep. 2025
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Pierce also reportedly told professors that any mentions of trans identity must be taken out of course descriptions, while textbook chapters on trans identity must be omitted entirely.—
Abby Monteil,
Them.,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The town's growing acknowledgement of its past comes at an odd time for a county that voted 76% for the president in 2024, which since being reelected has tried to erase negative depictions of the country's past.—
Jenna McMurtry,
NPR,
28 Sep. 2025
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Seriously though, the chemistry between Stewart and O’Brian is off the charts, which is all too rare for cinematic depictions of gender-nonconforming women.—
James Factora,
Them.,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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There's been much written about Brett Goldstein's award-winning turn as Ted Lasso's Roy Kent and his nuanced portrayal of Louis on Shrinking, but his writing credits are just as impressive (on Ted Lasso, Shrinking, and more).—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
26 Sep. 2025
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Phantom Thread is a masterfully claustrophobic portrayal of a ’50s fashion house, as well as a nuanced depiction of a petty despot ruling over his small kingdom.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
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There are pictures of them making out online.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
26 Sep. 2025
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While the movie was stalled, Garner and Madonna remained in each others orbit, with the two posing for a picture at photographer and filmmaker Steven Klein’s May 2023 birthday party.—
Daniel S. Levine,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Both are based on cute-but-slight comedy sketches.—
Kristen Baldwin,
Entertainment Weekly,
26 Sep. 2025
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In addition to pictures of the tour, the book also includes photos of designer sketches, costumes, instruments, and set pieces, and there are even reflections of the tour written by Taylor Swift.—
Jessica Comstock,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Portrait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portrait. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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