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
From the modernist, Black figuration of Kwami’s ceramics to Abban’s documentary portrayals of Ghanaian protest movements and architecture, these artists responded to the distinctive, pedestrian layers of postcolonial life.
—
Edna Bonhomme, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
Women artists within the movement often drew on its dreamlike language to counter male surrealists’ idealized and objectifying portrayals of women, reclaiming their own agency and identity.
—Sally Jane Brown, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2025
Here are some of the trope’s most infamous portrayals, across genre, gender and weapon of choice.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 23 Sep. 2025
The discussion featuring art historian Jennifer Stern will cover Rembrandt’s portrayals of the Jewish community in 17th-century Amsterdam.
—La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025
But the truth is that those who encountered King Henry’s story in the twentieth century were more likely to be introduced to his life from fictional and dramatic portrayals.
—Marlene L. Daut
september 22, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025
The made for television film was groundbreaking at the time and is widely viewed as one of the first nuanced portrayals of a gay parent on TV.
—Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 15 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
Edna Bonhomme, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
Women artists within the movement often drew on its dreamlike language to counter male surrealists’ idealized and objectifying portrayals of women, reclaiming their own agency and identity.
—Sally Jane Brown, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2025
Here are some of the trope’s most infamous portrayals, across genre, gender and weapon of choice.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 23 Sep. 2025
The discussion featuring art historian Jennifer Stern will cover Rembrandt’s portrayals of the Jewish community in 17th-century Amsterdam.
—La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025
But the truth is that those who encountered King Henry’s story in the twentieth century were more likely to be introduced to his life from fictional and dramatic portrayals.
—Marlene L. Daut
september 22, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025
The made for television film was groundbreaking at the time and is widely viewed as one of the first nuanced portrayals of a gay parent on TV.
—Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 15 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portrayals
Noun
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The town's growing acknowledgement of its past comes at an odd time for a county that voted 76% for the president in 2024, which since being reelected has tried to erase negative depictions of the country's past.—
Jenna McMurtry,
NPR,
28 Sep. 2025
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Seriously though, the chemistry between Stewart and O’Brian is off the charts, which is all too rare for cinematic depictions of gender-nonconforming women.—
James Factora,
Them.,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Projecting his short film and those character portraits was such an interesting concept to start.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
29 Sep. 2025
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All in all, Pantzer's keen eye and relationships netted him 38 of the artist's watercolors, 3,000 engravings and seven life portraits, according to Newfields' collection overview.—
Domenica Bongiovanni,
IndyStar,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The glass, etched with descriptions in Greek and hieroglyphics, was a foundation plate that said the temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
26 Sep. 2025
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Pierce also reportedly told professors that any mentions of trans identity must be taken out of course descriptions, while textbook chapters on trans identity must be omitted entirely.—
Abby Monteil,
Them.,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The only thing neighbors’ cameras will share are pictures and clips of dogs that could be yours.—
Mike Feibus,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
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The reporter had already sent me pictures and audio recordings, promising a complete draft by Monday night.—
Zahra Nader,
Time,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Portrayals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portrayals. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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