Synonyms of portray

portray

verb

pȯr-ˈtrā 

1

as in to describe

to give a representation or account of in words

the author portrays her characters with lifelike vividness

Synonyms & Similar Words

• describe
• depict
• render
• paint
• characterize
• set out
• illustrate
• delineate
• represent
• image
• sketch
• define
• picture
• draw
• recount
• limn
• relate
• summarize
• tell
• outline
• demonstrate
• show
• display
• suggest
• narrate
• exhibit
• qualify
• report
• label
• recite
• trace
• hint
• rehearse
• sum up
• silhouette
• draft
• vignette
• touch off
• redescribe
• reimage

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• distort
• misrepresent
• color
• falsify
• twist
• misstate
• pervert
• warp
• misdescribe
• garble

2

as in to characterize

to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group

traditionally, European authors portrayed the natives as wise and noble

Synonyms & Similar Words

• characterize
• describe
• depict
• represent
• define
• character
• identify
• classify
• categorize
• indicate
• type
• specify
• pigeonhole
• distinguish
• stamp
• individualize
• mark
• color
• name
• particularize

3

as in to depict

to present a picture of

a landscape that portrays the scenery near the town where the painter grew up

Synonyms & Similar Words

• depict
• represent
• describe
• image
• picture
• render
• document
• illustrate
• delineate
• show
• outline
• sketch
• silhouette
• caricature
• diagram

4

as in to play

to present a portrayal or performance of

gained fame portraying Susan B. Anthony in a one-woman show

Synonyms & Similar Words

• play
• depict
• perform
• interpret
• represent
• do
• impersonate
• act
• dramatize
• render
• enact
• act out
• mimic
• imitate
• pose (as)
• take on
• masquerade
• underplay
• playact
• role-play
• pantomime
• ape
• ham
• overplay
• overact
• star (in)
• mime
• coact
• clown
• costar

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of portray

The documentary will portray Khelif’s daily life ever since but also her whole life starting from her birth and childhood in Algeria. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026

For nearly two decades, Rahul Gandhi has been portrayed as an entitled and ineffectual politician who could neither revive the Indian National Congress party nor challenge the iron rule of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. — Rana Ayyub, Washington Post, 3 Sep. 2026

Williams portrays her other daughter, Antonia, while Kidman revives her iconic Practical Magic role as Sally’s sister, Gillian. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026

Starring Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, the movie portrays three working women who rebel against their sexist boss. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026