1
as in described
to give a representation or account of in words
the author portrays her characters with lifelike vividness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in characterized
to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group
traditionally, European authors portrayed the natives as wise and noble
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in depicted
to present a picture of
a landscape that portrays the scenery near the town where the painter grew up
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in played
to present a portrayal or performance of
gained fame portraying Susan B. Anthony in a one-woman show
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of portrayed
All four of the Jewish characters in the play are portrayed by Jewish actors.
—
David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
And Michael Jackson’s former manager, John Branca, who also serves as co-executive producer, is laughably portrayed as the film’s white savior.
—Keith Murphy, VIBE.com, 24 Apr. 2026
The structure follows an A to M biopic trajectory, tuning out just when Michael broke free from the evil clutches of his abusive, belt-wielding manager and dad Joseph – portrayed by Colman Domingo, going full tilt as a villain.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026
Supported by her friend Nikki, portrayed by Jenny Slate, the FX miniseries, based on a podcast of the same name, celebrates female friendship and sexuality while crafting a poignant and daring narrative about living fully in the face of death.
—Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026
In The Offer, Paramount+’s 2022 limited series about the making of The Godfather, Tavoularis was portrayed by Eric Balfour.
—Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
Iran has insisted that the United States must end its blockade of Iranian ports before talks can resume, and many analysts say the leadership is more cohesive than is being portrayed.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
Michael Jackson is portrayed by his real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson, while his parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson, are played by Colman Domingo and Nia Long.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026
Wyle sees the fandom response stemming from a desire for Robby to remain straightforwardly good, not a reflection of the show’s shifting priorities about which characters are emphasized or how they’re portrayed.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
And Michael Jackson’s former manager, John Branca, who also serves as co-executive producer, is laughably portrayed as the film’s white savior.
—Keith Murphy, VIBE.com, 24 Apr. 2026
The structure follows an A to M biopic trajectory, tuning out just when Michael broke free from the evil clutches of his abusive, belt-wielding manager and dad Joseph – portrayed by Colman Domingo, going full tilt as a villain.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026
Supported by her friend Nikki, portrayed by Jenny Slate, the FX miniseries, based on a podcast of the same name, celebrates female friendship and sexuality while crafting a poignant and daring narrative about living fully in the face of death.
—Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026
In The Offer, Paramount+’s 2022 limited series about the making of The Godfather, Tavoularis was portrayed by Eric Balfour.
—Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
Iran has insisted that the United States must end its blockade of Iranian ports before talks can resume, and many analysts say the leadership is more cohesive than is being portrayed.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
Michael Jackson is portrayed by his real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson, while his parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson, are played by Colman Domingo and Nia Long.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026
Wyle sees the fandom response stemming from a desire for Robby to remain straightforwardly good, not a reflection of the show’s shifting priorities about which characters are emphasized or how they’re portrayed.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portrayed
Verb
-
That view was echoed by veteran market strategist Ed Yardeni, who described the rally as a forward-looking bet that the conflict will prove temporary, even after recent developments.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Her family have described her as someone who loved makeup, dancing and her job with the USPS, according to FOX32 Chicago.—
Aya Al-Hakim,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Psychosis is a loss of contact with reality that can be characterized by hearing voices and having delusions.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The Arts and Crafts movement began just a few decades after the end of the Industrial Revolution, and it was characterized by a renaissance of quality craftsmanship and the use of natural materials.—
Tessa Cooper,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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However, one past accuser had previously reached a settlement with the estate that guaranteed he could never be depicted in future commercial projects.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Previous versions of the script depicted the case against the singer as being a shakedown, according to The New York Times.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
During their time together, Snead and McVay built teams that have played in two Super Bowls, winning one, and made eight playoff appearances.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The crowd went nuts because Heidenreich played for the United States Naval Academy.—
Armando Salguero OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The finding marks the first time a new kind of chemical experiment has been performed on another planet.—
Leonard David,
Space.com,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The device performed well throughout these procedures with no failures or safety issues, allowing researchers to collect complete, high-quality datasets from all eight surgical patients.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Some interpreted McVay’s demeanor on Thursday night as evidence of a splinter in one of the league’s most successful partnerships.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
-
These findings are promising, but they should be interpreted carefully, especially because most studies have been conducted in laboratory settings or animal models, rather than on people.—
Mavra Javed,
The Conversation,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Portrayed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portrayed. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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