portrayals

noun

plural of portrayal
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 portrayals Some of the first reports indicated that Adebayo threw a punch at Herro’s head before the two were separated, but some league sources have indicated that initial portrayals of the fight were overblown. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026 Seeing Black children and their families living ordinary yet robust lives in stories undermines negative portrayals. — Brooke Harris Garad, The Conversation, 14 July 2026 Born This Way, produced by Bunim/Murray Productions, debuted on A&E in 2015 and quickly won over critics and audiences with its honest and empathetic portrayals of the challenges and achievements of seven adults with Down syndrome. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 9 July 2026 Since then, portrayals of rural America have been up and down. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 8 July 2026 The artist was beloved by Americans for his intimate portrayals of the country’s values. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 25 June 2026 The series has been praised for its heartfelt storylines and realistic portrayals of grief, loneliness, and the process of processing it all. — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 For every blockbuster streaming series about a notorious serial killer, there’s a discussion to be had about whether anyone is benefitting from gruesome TV portrayals that some feel glamorize killers and exploit their victims. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 17 June 2026 Monuments offered a fitting answer to those still asking what should be done with heroic portrayals of such figures. — Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 16 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portrayals
  1. depictions
  2. portraits
  3. descriptions
  4. pictures
Noun
  • The minutes-long scene is without parallel in the many previous pop culture depictions of the mythological moment.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • What first appears to be simple depictions of animals reveals a rich spiritual world.
    — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of depictions
Noun
  • During a visit in March, the two-room space served as the temporary home to Thames’s latest beaded curtain portraits of notable Black luminaries, which lay on tables awaiting completion.
    — Shantay Robinson, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026
  • For folks who still want meaningful photos, consider having a few larger portraits professionally framed.
    — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 16 July 2026
Definition of portraits
Noun
  • Film descriptions are below with language courtesy of Film at Lincoln Center.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 July 2026
  • The descriptions of the perpetrators, many of whom carried a knife, were often eerily similar; several were roughly the same height, weight and race.
    — ProPublica, ProPublica, 14 July 2026
Definition of descriptions
Noun
  • The training session ended with players signing autographs and taking pictures with fans.
    — Zuri Primos July 15, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
  • There were also pictures circulated of Wells at a pool party, which was rumored to be the last place he was seen on July 4, but in fact had been taken the weekend before his disappearance, as Rolling Stone reported.
    — Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2026
Definition of pictures

Browse Nearby Words

portrayal
portrayals
portrayed
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Cite this Entry

“Portrayals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portrayals. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on portrayals

Nglish: Translation of portrayals for Spanish Speakers

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