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

Another portrays him as wielding defibrillator paddles in a hospital room over a patient flatlining from taxes imposed by Democrats. — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

Osei-Tutu will portray TJ, the shady owner of a local eight-liner casino, where Sebastian is a frequent client. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026

Bridgers portrays decoy Del Harvey, while Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, and Alex Winter also star. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026

For years, Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner has been portrayed as the civilized way to travel to and from San Diego. — Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026