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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of portrayal
Actor Nicholas Brendon, who was best known for his portrayal of Xander Harris on influential TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died, his family announced via social media.
—
Marzia Nicolini, Vanity Fair, 21 Mar. 2026
Women watching The Gospel of John’s description of Mary Magdalene’s actions aligns with the other canonical Gospels’ portrayal of women who followed Jesus.
—Mary Foskett, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026
Their perspectives should be central to the story, and Theroux’s even inadvertent sidelining of their experiences underscore a deeper issue facing the accurate portrayal of sexism and gender dynamics in documentaries.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2026
Cassandra Peterson Cassandra Peterson, an actor and media personality from Manhattan, Kansas, is famous for her portrayal of the horror hostess character Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.
—Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for portrayal
Marzia Nicolini, Vanity Fair, 21 Mar. 2026
Women watching The Gospel of John’s description of Mary Magdalene’s actions aligns with the other canonical Gospels’ portrayal of women who followed Jesus.
—Mary Foskett, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026
Their perspectives should be central to the story, and Theroux’s even inadvertent sidelining of their experiences underscore a deeper issue facing the accurate portrayal of sexism and gender dynamics in documentaries.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2026
Cassandra Peterson Cassandra Peterson, an actor and media personality from Manhattan, Kansas, is famous for her portrayal of the horror hostess character Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.
—Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for portrayal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portrayal
Noun
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These lofty ambitions have fueled decades of space movies and inspired generations with their depictions of intrepid space voyagers.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
30 Mar. 2026
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The Royals will get an accurate depiction of their current makeup this weekend.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Deputies said there is no suspect or vehicle description at this time, and the investigation continues.—
Brandon Downs,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
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The detectives trying to identify the woman reached out to the Star-Telegram for help and the newspaper ran the story in the Sunday newspaper, giving a description of the woman and the car, as well as the license plate number.—
Kevin Foster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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That family portrait is so weird!—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
27 Mar. 2026
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Along with the album cover, the shared a new black and white portrait of himself, captured by daughter Mary McCartney.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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With Young looking to earn a long-term extension and push the Panthers forward in the NFC playoff picture, Pickett’s insight and experience could be valuable assets during the upcoming campaign.—
Mike Kaye
March 31,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
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Well, that definitely paints a vivid picture.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Portrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portrayal. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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