as in descriptions
a vivid representation in words of someone or something
his account created in the jurors' heads a detailed portrait of a lonely old man
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 portraits
Known for era-defining portraits of figures from John Lennon to Barack Obama, Fairey reveals how photography underpins his graphic language across screen print, collage and new commissions created for the show.
—
Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
Flowers and portraits of the late opposition leader have appeared in memorials across Europe, including outside the former Russian consulate in Frankfurt, highlighting international outrage over his death.
—Nandika Chatterjee, Time, 14 Feb. 2026
Queen Emma was the first to wear the sapphire tiara in official portraits and solemn ceremonies, setting a precedent that her successors respected.
—Marta Martínez Tato, Vanity Fair, 13 Feb. 2026
The campaign, shot in Paris by Adam Peter Johnson, unfolds through stark portraits and graphic still-life images.
—Katie Abel, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
For more information and to view the portraits online, click here.
—Derek James, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
There will be ice skating, sketch portraits, a Mexican food truck, ice sculpture and photo opportunities, the event website said.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 11 Feb. 2026
The club’s walls are plastered with Puerto Rican flags and portraits of the bar’s owner and matriarch, whose real name is Maria Antonia Cay.
—Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2026
The system is designed to work from one image rather than requiring multiple angles, and the resulting portraits are produced in a resolution suitable for printing through Mixtiles.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
Flowers and portraits of the late opposition leader have appeared in memorials across Europe, including outside the former Russian consulate in Frankfurt, highlighting international outrage over his death.
—Nandika Chatterjee, Time, 14 Feb. 2026
Queen Emma was the first to wear the sapphire tiara in official portraits and solemn ceremonies, setting a precedent that her successors respected.
—Marta Martínez Tato, Vanity Fair, 13 Feb. 2026
The campaign, shot in Paris by Adam Peter Johnson, unfolds through stark portraits and graphic still-life images.
—Katie Abel, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
For more information and to view the portraits online, click here.
—Derek James, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
There will be ice skating, sketch portraits, a Mexican food truck, ice sculpture and photo opportunities, the event website said.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 11 Feb. 2026
The club’s walls are plastered with Puerto Rican flags and portraits of the bar’s owner and matriarch, whose real name is Maria Antonia Cay.
—Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2026
The system is designed to work from one image rather than requiring multiple angles, and the resulting portraits are produced in a resolution suitable for printing through Mixtiles.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portraits
Noun
-
Both descriptions are accurate.—
Patti Nickell,
Boston Herald,
15 Feb. 2026
-
It should also be noted that the descriptions given in the book are from different characters who may have their own prejudices, leaving the reader without hard facts.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Since the end of his playing days, Griffey has embraced photography, taking pictures from the African savanna to the Masters Tournament in Georgia.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Data centers — rooms or buildings full of computer servers — have been storing cellphone pictures, emails and social media accounts for years.—
Makenzie Huber,
States Newsroom,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Frederick Wiseman, the pioneering documentary filmmaker whose penetrating, observational depictions of public institutions raised ethical issues and provoked social examination, has died.—
Duane Byrge,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Fennell’s edits shrink the ensemble, and the remaining characters either lose some complexity or are totally changed from their depictions in the book.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
On His Own Terms Playing one of fiction’s most iconic characters could feel daunting, especially with so many legendary portrayals already in the cultural consciousness.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Advertisement The Chinese government has also made a concerted effort to disseminate more positive portrayals of China over social media.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
One programmer joked that his early sketches of the Goombas looked like chestnuts— kuri in Japanese, which is why Goombas are known in Japan as kuribo.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Late night shows like The Tonight Show typically include comedy sketches, and those have become a point of differentiation as the battle for guest bookings intensifies.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Portraits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portraits. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
