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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of portrayal
The towering performance has generated major Oscar buzz since the film’s premiere at Telluride, where audiences were visibly shaken — and deeply moved — by Buckley’s portrayal of a mother’s anguish.
—
Clayton Davis, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025
Celebrity makeup artist Mélanie Inglessis (known for crafting Jenna Ortega’s soft goth glam looks) agrees, adding that Ortega’s portrayal of Wednesday Addams has definitely had its stylistic impact.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
With Caputo's distinctively voluminous blonde hair and bold nails, Ripa's portrayal was both spot-on and hilarious.
—Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Wood also earned a supporting actress Golden Globe and Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Veda Pierce in HBO miniseries Mildred Pierce.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for portrayal
Clayton Davis, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025
Celebrity makeup artist Mélanie Inglessis (known for crafting Jenna Ortega’s soft goth glam looks) agrees, adding that Ortega’s portrayal of Wednesday Addams has definitely had its stylistic impact.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
With Caputo's distinctively voluminous blonde hair and bold nails, Ripa's portrayal was both spot-on and hilarious.
—Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Wood also earned a supporting actress Golden Globe and Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Veda Pierce in HBO miniseries Mildred Pierce.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for portrayal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portrayal
Noun
-
The program was developed through the Producers Guild’s One Guild initiative, which supports inclusive membership, employment, content, and authentic depictions.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
27 Oct. 2025
-
These often casual racist depictions lasted well into the 20th century through mediums such as political cartoons, sports commentary and other popular culture.—
Dan Gooding,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
However, this doesn't include pre-order items, which will have their shipping estimates listed in the product description.—
Trisha Easto,
USA Today,
25 Oct. 2025
-
The only player fitting the indictment’s description is Anthony Davis.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The unnamed ringleader apparently also tried to sell a copy of a world-famous painting by the Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn known as The Syndics, a 17th century portrait of members of Amsterdam's cloth makers' guild, for roughly $150 million.—
NPR,
NPR,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Walls on the first floor of the Capitol are bare as portraits of Tennessee governors usually displayed outside the Governor’s Office and Old Supreme Court Chambers have been taken down to prevent them from being damaged.—
Vivian Jones,
Nashville Tennessean,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
This aerial picture shows floodwaters inundating streets and buildings in Hoi An on Thursday.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Fiery press conferences, frustration over a lack of signings, and a glum touchline demeanour paint a worrying picture.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Portrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portrayal. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share