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 Boroughs is not a frightening show, monster snack-time portrayals notwithstanding.
—
Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Many also expressed a desire for portrayals that reflect healthy relationships, rest, softness, sisterhood, and everyday life beyond struggle.
—Dominique Fluker, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Since the 1990s the union has campaigned against discrimination and negative portrayals of minority groups in the media while also promoting workplace equality within the journalism industry itself.
—Idir Ouahes, Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 May 2026
The book is one of the funnier portrayals of a writing program.
—David O’Neill, New Yorker, 20 May 2026
Apart from featuring stories that grapple with suicidal ideation, this anthology also challenges narrow portrayals of mental illness through diverse, nuanced stories.
—Rocky Callen, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
At this point, there is no claim that any animal suffered injury, and much of the public reaction has been driven by incomplete or misleading portrayals online.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
However, contrary to many portrayals, your skin wouldn't burst right away.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 8 May 2026
These portrayals offer gentle surprises and a nice emotional balance.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Many also expressed a desire for portrayals that reflect healthy relationships, rest, softness, sisterhood, and everyday life beyond struggle.
—Dominique Fluker, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Since the 1990s the union has campaigned against discrimination and negative portrayals of minority groups in the media while also promoting workplace equality within the journalism industry itself.
—Idir Ouahes, Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 May 2026
The book is one of the funnier portrayals of a writing program.
—David O’Neill, New Yorker, 20 May 2026
Apart from featuring stories that grapple with suicidal ideation, this anthology also challenges narrow portrayals of mental illness through diverse, nuanced stories.
—Rocky Callen, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
At this point, there is no claim that any animal suffered injury, and much of the public reaction has been driven by incomplete or misleading portrayals online.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
However, contrary to many portrayals, your skin wouldn't burst right away.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 8 May 2026
These portrayals offer gentle surprises and a nice emotional balance.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portrayals
Noun
-
For all the prior cinematic depictions of storming bunkers and camaraderie under fire, Pressure offers us the quiet heroism of rational restraint in the figure of James Stagg, who weathered his inner storms and bore the courage to be disliked.—
Daniel Jonah Wolpert,
NPR,
29 May 2026
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In this way, the film offers one of the most unique and realistic depictions of a famous historical battle ever put to screen.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 May 2026
Noun
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The art show paired portraits of animals that exhibit same-sex behaviors, like peacocks and flamingos, and was meant to be a commentary on how queerness has been hidden throughout history, leaving artists to use symbolism to communicate their point of view.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
4 June 2026
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Some viewers and beginner-painters valued his bare-bones instructions on how to create unchallenging landscape portraits, while still some others undoubtedly enjoyed Ross and his painting lessons for their snark value.—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
As of late Saturday night, authorities have not released descriptions of any suspects or identified a possible motive.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
7 June 2026
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Police believe the thieves are between 16 and 19 years old, and have only vague descriptions of the suspects.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
Noun
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On a recent day, a stream of visitors, including school children, walked through the circular room, stopping to sit behind the desk and pose for pictures.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 June 2026
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On a recent day, a stream of visitors, including schoolchildren, walked through the circular room, stopping to sit behind the desk and pose for pictures.—
Sophia Tareen,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Portrayals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portrayals. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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