1
as in to describe
to give a representation or account of in words
the author portrays her characters with lifelike vividness
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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3
as in to depict
to present a picture of
a landscape that portrays the scenery near the town where the painter grew up
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4
as in to play
to present a portrayal or performance of
gained fame portraying Susan B. Anthony in a one-woman show
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of portray
The thing that the audiences respond to, according to Monsoon, is veracity from the personas being portrayed.
—
Evan Ross Katz, Them., 4 Sep. 2025
Some of these mistruths portrayed the killers as outcasts and, crucially, victims.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
On the second floor, CNC plywood lines the walls, giving a warm feel while also portraying a working theme.
—Aman Kidwai, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
The series has already been renewed for a second season, and there are certainly key moments in the characters’ lives not yet portrayed on screen — Naomi’s death from COVID, which looms over the last episode in particular, and Avi’s divorce, most notably.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for portray
Evan Ross Katz, Them., 4 Sep. 2025
Some of these mistruths portrayed the killers as outcasts and, crucially, victims.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
On the second floor, CNC plywood lines the walls, giving a warm feel while also portraying a working theme.
—Aman Kidwai, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
The series has already been renewed for a second season, and there are certainly key moments in the characters’ lives not yet portrayed on screen — Naomi’s death from COVID, which looms over the last episode in particular, and Avi’s divorce, most notably.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for portray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portray
Verb
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But the shift may be broader, as newsrooms both describe a cultural shift and, at least in some cases, embody it.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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The panel studying those cases released a report last year describing how the state child welfare agency missed warning signs and failed to protect dozens of children from dying of the illicit drug.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In an essay published in Vogue, longtime magazine editor Anna Wintour characterized Armani as a steely, dedicated and, above all, innovative force in the fashion industry.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
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In a 69-page ruling, Judge Edward Chen of the Northern District of California characterized the decision of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to end TPS for Haiti and Venezuela as capricious, arbitrary and beyond the scope of her authority.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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At certain angles, the photo’s dark backdrop allows viewers to see the reflection of former President Barack Obama’s portrait that depicts him surrounded by greenery and flowers representing Chicago and Hawaii.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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The new album follows the same surprise announcement and quick-drop model as its predecessor, via an Instagram post (although the first one was preceded by billboards in Iceland, Atlanta and Los Angeles depicting an image of Bieber accompanied by the title).—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Still, that isn’t a factor when considering how hard and inspired the Broncos played in front of a ninth straight sellout crowd at Albertsons Stadium.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
6 Sep. 2025
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Though his interests were that of a pretty typical child — computing and gaming, playing the saxophone, enjoying soccer and time with his pets — he was also known for his acts of kindness and generosity.—
Lauren Costantino
September 6,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Clearly, this correlates nearly with the birth rate exploding; 16 players born in 1948 represented England, including Ray Clemence and Trevor Brooking, the highest figure for any single year since 1901.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
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Pulte also flagged a third property, in Massachusetts, that Cook represented as a second home in mortgage documents but as an investment property in subsequent financial disclosures.—
Robert Faturechi,
ProPublica,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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During the annual Rhythm & Roots Reunion festival, Shanghai is the first to set up a stage for performing bands.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
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Around the same time, police reported Tammy's death as suspicious and performed an autopsy, with her cause of death being declared asphyxiation.—
Jessica Sager,
PEOPLE,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In the ruling, Southwick emphasized that while presidents enjoy wide discretion under the AEA, the courts retain authority to interpret the statute’s key terms and decide whether the factual findings fit within them.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
3 Sep. 2025
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Our job is still to listen, interpret, imagine, and inspire.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Revord does the audio themself, and worked with a dialect coach to perfect British accents and learn how to act without facial expressions or gestures.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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Trump has done less of this in his second term, preferring to twist arms and lobby lawmakers privately this time.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Portray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portray. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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