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
On His Own Terms Playing one of fiction’s most iconic characters could feel daunting, especially with so many legendary portrayals already in the cultural consciousness.
—
Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Advertisement The Chinese government has also made a concerted effort to disseminate more positive portrayals of China over social media.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
Their commitment to authentic portrayals of geopolitics and the espionage business, set inside compelling dramas, makes this a natural home for my work.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2026
This belief appears to be rooted in outdated models of addiction, public misunderstanding and media portrayals that frame addiction as solely a problem of physical dependence.
—Emma Fenske, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
Since its 2023 debut, the show has resonated for its raw portrayals of participants shaped by divorce, grief, illness and major life decisions.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026
Calvo argued to the Herald that fictional portrayals should help establish a better image of the city, not harm it.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
The Coalition for Faith and Media, in partnership with HarrisX, recently launched a research study that found 70% of Americans believe Hollywood stereotypes faith, while 82% say film and TV should prioritize portraying more accurate and complex portrayals of faith and religion.
—Antonio Ferme, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
In the Supporting categories, actress Wunmi Mosaku and actor Delroy Lindo have been nominated for their scene-stealing portrayals of Annie and Delta Slim, continuing the trend of firsts for this talented team and cast.
—Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Advertisement The Chinese government has also made a concerted effort to disseminate more positive portrayals of China over social media.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
Their commitment to authentic portrayals of geopolitics and the espionage business, set inside compelling dramas, makes this a natural home for my work.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2026
This belief appears to be rooted in outdated models of addiction, public misunderstanding and media portrayals that frame addiction as solely a problem of physical dependence.
—Emma Fenske, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
Since its 2023 debut, the show has resonated for its raw portrayals of participants shaped by divorce, grief, illness and major life decisions.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026
Calvo argued to the Herald that fictional portrayals should help establish a better image of the city, not harm it.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
The Coalition for Faith and Media, in partnership with HarrisX, recently launched a research study that found 70% of Americans believe Hollywood stereotypes faith, while 82% say film and TV should prioritize portraying more accurate and complex portrayals of faith and religion.
—Antonio Ferme, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
In the Supporting categories, actress Wunmi Mosaku and actor Delroy Lindo have been nominated for their scene-stealing portrayals of Annie and Delta Slim, continuing the trend of firsts for this talented team and cast.
—Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portrayals
Noun
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Frederick Wiseman, the pioneering documentary filmmaker whose penetrating, observational depictions of public institutions raised ethical issues and provoked social examination, has died.—
Duane Byrge,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Feb. 2026
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Fennell’s edits shrink the ensemble, and the remaining characters either lose some complexity or are totally changed from their depictions in the book.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The robust, 1,800-plus-piece collection includes everything from photographs by Jamel Shabazz and sculptures by John Ahearn to portraits painted by Henry Taylor.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Feb. 2026
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Additional portraits are available for $5 each.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Both descriptions are accurate.—
Patti Nickell,
Boston Herald,
15 Feb. 2026
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It should also be noted that the descriptions given in the book are from different characters who may have their own prejudices, leaving the reader without hard facts.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Since the end of his playing days, Griffey has embraced photography, taking pictures from the African savanna to the Masters Tournament in Georgia.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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Data centers — rooms or buildings full of computer servers — have been storing cellphone pictures, emails and social media accounts for years.—
Makenzie Huber,
States Newsroom,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Portrayals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portrayals. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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