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
His portrayal of best-selling thriller writer Greg Russo — adrift in a New England college after a disastrous campus speaking engagement — lands in that sweet spot between comedy and drama that has increasingly defined the modern Emmy landscape.
—
Clayton Davis, Variety, 2 May 2026
Hathaway’s portrayal of the typically opulent song is grounded in reality first, without sacrificing any of its big emotions.
—Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026
Equally concerning is the portrayal of public school funding as a burden rather than an investment.
—Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Your portrayal of Naema’s ambivalence, her pride, her shame at being unable to use her medical degree and skills in this new country, her anger at Jimmy and also her appreciation of his saving her life, and her son and mother-in-law, is masterful.
—Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for portrayal
Clayton Davis, Variety, 2 May 2026
Hathaway’s portrayal of the typically opulent song is grounded in reality first, without sacrificing any of its big emotions.
—Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026
Equally concerning is the portrayal of public school funding as a burden rather than an investment.
—Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Your portrayal of Naema’s ambivalence, her pride, her shame at being unable to use her medical degree and skills in this new country, her anger at Jimmy and also her appreciation of his saving her life, and her son and mother-in-law, is masterful.
—Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for portrayal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portrayal
Noun
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At a time of intensifying divisions at home, a depiction of Ecuador could offer an Edenic, new-world landscape free from the partisanship tainting Church’s New England landscapes.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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Sanchez-Bezos seems to have wanted to send a message through her own look for the night — a Schiaparelli gown riffing off of the John Singer Sargent portrait of Madame X, a depiction of a socialite that caused its own scandalous reception.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
4 May 2026
Noun
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The treat features vanilla ice cream, salted caramel sauce, and churro bites, according to a Costco social media post featuring a description of the dessert.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
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Officials have said the descriptions reflect observations made at the time and do not include conclusions about the nature of the phenomena.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
Noun
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The Adam Lippes design replaced the cleaner line of the tuxedo with a wider skirt and a more formal portrait neckline, keeping the color restrained while giving the silhouette more volume.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
8 May 2026
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The imagery, made in Haiti, New York, Florida, and her current home of Los Angeles, uses both personal, documentary photographs and more surreal, formal portraits to link Cadet’s personal history to a broader meditation on the Black diasporic experience.—
Elly Fishman,
Vogue,
8 May 2026
Noun
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The junior shortstop/outfielder drew that picture Monday before Lemont (17-7) had its South Suburban Conference crossover game against Oak Lawn (10-8) postponed due to inclement weather.—
Tony Baranek,
Chicago Tribune,
5 May 2026
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As the first block was hoisted, Alemani darted to the railing to take a picture.—
Julian Lucas,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Portrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portrayal. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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