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

And Dastmalchian, who portrays Bison with an emphasis on sniveling evil, struggles to quietly undercut the character’s cartoonishly menacing getup. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

At times, the dynamic between father and son can feel drowned in melodrama, but Abrams and Brolin are able to reel in their gutsy performances to portray a troubled relationship that’s still grounded in love. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026

Highlights of the production will include a lifelike puppet portraying Toto, eight dancers taking flight (the most of any KC Ballet production) and ruby slippers adorned with 288 jewels. — Dan Kelly october 15, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026

For more than 250 episodes, Hawkins has portrayed the big-hearted cop who worked his way up from patrol to join the elite Intelligence Unit. — Samantha Highfill, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Oct. 2026