as in depictions
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 portrayals
The fourth episode depicts him as a negligent and emotionally abusive lover to Satan, further connecting him to the show’s previous portrayals of Saddam Hussein.
—
Nick Marx, The Conversation, 11 Sep. 2025
From early portrayals built on stereotypes to today’s layered narratives, positive representation has been an exhausting but necessary journey for creatives of color.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 10 Sep. 2025
Rather than leaning in realistic Marvel Cinematic Universe portrayals, or even the classic comic roots, ArcSys has brought a more Japanese sensibility to the design of its world and characters.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
The gap between cinematic portrayals and real-world applications highlights the ongoing challenges, but progress is being made.
—Sanath Chilakala, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
From early stereotypical portrayals to today’s more authentic and complex narratives, the series highlights how Black television makers have not only survived but thrived, despite the industry’s early reluctance to fully recognize their power and creativity.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Sep. 2025
Stories focused on violence reduce individuals to one-dimensional portrayals.
—Lashawn Harris
august 27, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2025
In line with most media portrayals, students tend to be horrified by it.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 22 Aug. 2025
Their portrayals draw you in ever deeper, making an explosive second-act reckoning all the more jarring and effective.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 18 Aug. 2025
Nick Marx, The Conversation, 11 Sep. 2025
From early portrayals built on stereotypes to today’s layered narratives, positive representation has been an exhausting but necessary journey for creatives of color.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 10 Sep. 2025
Rather than leaning in realistic Marvel Cinematic Universe portrayals, or even the classic comic roots, ArcSys has brought a more Japanese sensibility to the design of its world and characters.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
The gap between cinematic portrayals and real-world applications highlights the ongoing challenges, but progress is being made.
—Sanath Chilakala, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
From early stereotypical portrayals to today’s more authentic and complex narratives, the series highlights how Black television makers have not only survived but thrived, despite the industry’s early reluctance to fully recognize their power and creativity.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Sep. 2025
Stories focused on violence reduce individuals to one-dimensional portrayals.
—Lashawn Harris
august 27, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2025
In line with most media portrayals, students tend to be horrified by it.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 22 Aug. 2025
Their portrayals draw you in ever deeper, making an explosive second-act reckoning all the more jarring and effective.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 18 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portrayals
Noun
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Uckotter’s eerie depictions of attics, slip dresses, and toys calls to mind the cinematic worlds created by David Lynch.—
Grace Byron,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
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If the only way this film distinguishes itself is in its ability to humanize and complicate flat depictions and erasure of Saudi women, that is no small feat.—
Beandrea July,
IndieWire,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Being a subject of one of his portraits required discipline—showing up for many months, staying still for many hours.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
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Directed and photographed by Stuart Winecoff with creative direction from Robert Lussier, The Style Council, Paris, the films and portraits follow Ludacris, Alba, McCaffrey, and Moore through John Lautner’s Harvey House in Los Angeles, known for its lush midcentury interiors.—
Thomas Waller,
Footwear News,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Full character descriptions can be found below.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
12 Sep. 2025
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Remaining employees then absorb responsibilities that exceed their job descriptions and pay grades, often leading to burnout.—
Sharon Wu,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Lord entered the truck in competitions in Louisiana and Texas and loved to park it in front of the Henderson building to take pictures of it, Michelle said.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Sep. 2025
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Some of my friends were pressured to send inappropriate pictures, contacted by strangers, and exposed to content way beyond our age.—
Annabelle Canela,
Parents,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Portrayals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portrayals. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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