as in depiction
a vivid representation in words of someone or something
his novel presents a moving portrayal of a woman searching for personal fulfillment and happiness
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Recent Examples of portrayal
De Castelbajac hopes a more nuanced portrayal will provide a gateway into Napoleon’s story for those who view him not as a national hero, but as an authoritarian ruler who reinforced colonial dynamics.
—
Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 18 June 2025
Developing a style that was at once detached and ornate, Ellmann works as a historical novelist, using facts as a springboard for a subtle psychological portrayal intertwined with layered critical interpretations.
—Eric Bulson, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025
But this is a woefully inaccurate portrayal steeped in partisan rancor over President Donald Trump and his appointments to the court.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 14 June 2025
Cruz, the son of an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador who came to the U.S. in the 1970s, said he’s angered by the federal government’s portrayal that anyone without documents living in the United States is a criminal.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for portrayal
Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 18 June 2025
Developing a style that was at once detached and ornate, Ellmann works as a historical novelist, using facts as a springboard for a subtle psychological portrayal intertwined with layered critical interpretations.
—Eric Bulson, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025
But this is a woefully inaccurate portrayal steeped in partisan rancor over President Donald Trump and his appointments to the court.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 14 June 2025
Cruz, the son of an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador who came to the U.S. in the 1970s, said he’s angered by the federal government’s portrayal that anyone without documents living in the United States is a criminal.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for portrayal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portrayal
Noun
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From his first girlfriend, living in his London apartment with his Jamaican parents, to moments at the house of ill fame and the tribulations of being a Bronx landlord, observers are offered a realistic depiction of Slick Rick’s journey to legend.—
Ime Ekpo,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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It was made to provide a true depiction of what was happening at the time.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
17 June 2025
Noun
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The legislation lists a variety of records that must be turned over if requested, including contracts, grants, job descriptions, employee training materials, budgets and audits.—
Skyler Swisher,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 June 2025
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Communities in parts of the East Side of Kansas City, North Kansas City and other smaller urban cities across the metro fit this description, Pierson, Jr. said.—
Alecia Taylor,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2025
Noun
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Highlighting the brand’s first Aqua Terra timepiece in 30mm, the campaign features portraits of Ariana DeBose, Ashley Graham, Tems, Danielle Marsha, Marisa Abela and Sunday Rose Kidman Urban, the eldest daughter of Nicole Kidman and country singer Keith Urban.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
18 June 2025
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The first one featured a portrait of President Harry Truman as man of the year for his decision to bomb Japan.—
Carol Sutton Lewis,
Scientific American,
18 June 2025
Noun
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There was a picture on somebody’s Instagram with a side-by-side of him and me.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
16 June 2025
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Through almost two months of testimony, prosecutors have painted a picture of a winter night in the suburbs of Boston gone horribly wrong.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Portrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portrayal. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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