1
as in to describe
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 to characterize
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 to depict
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 to play
to present a portrayal or performance of
gained fame portraying Susan B. Anthony in a one-woman show
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of portray
Not every black hole is constantly ‘eating’ Popular culture often portrays black holes as cosmic vacuum cleaners that endlessly swallow everything nearby.
—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
29 June 2026
The democratic socialists have embraced policies that reject free-market economics, advocate enormous expansions of government power and portray capitalism itself as inherently oppressive.
—
Bobby Zirkin,
Baltimore Sun,
29 June 2026
In France, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party has opportunistically seized on air-conditioning, portraying it as an urgent quality-of-life issue that moralizing environmentalists and overreaching technocrats have ignored.
—
Thomas Chatterton Williams,
The Atlantic,
28 June 2026
Michael is a 2026 biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua, in which Jackson portrays his uncle, Michael Jackson.
—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for portray
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
29 June 2026
The democratic socialists have embraced policies that reject free-market economics, advocate enormous expansions of government power and portray capitalism itself as inherently oppressive.
—
Bobby Zirkin,
Baltimore Sun,
29 June 2026
In France, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party has opportunistically seized on air-conditioning, portraying it as an urgent quality-of-life issue that moralizing environmentalists and overreaching technocrats have ignored.
—
Thomas Chatterton Williams,
The Atlantic,
28 June 2026
Michael is a 2026 biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua, in which Jackson portrays his uncle, Michael Jackson.
—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for portray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portray
Verb
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Kainerugaba’s associates describe him as a dedicated military officer who often eschews ostentatious displays of wealth.
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Others described people dancing and eating in that part of the park before the crash happened.
Verb
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The new style of challenger often rises from outside the traditional civil rights and organizing structures that characterized some communities for decades.
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These roles, while potentially stable, are characterized by a lack of learning, advancement, or a fear of leaving.
Verb
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The world drew heavily from the paintings of fantasy illustrator Frank Frazetta, who depicted scenes of barbarians and beasts in conflict, of pulp fiction heroes, femme fatales, and fierce warrior women.
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Another star at a similar distance from Earth is Bellatrix, which shines at the left shoulder of the celestial hunter depicted in the constellation Orion.
Verb
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For tour this time around, Pillsbury is looking forward to playing larger venues, which offer space for grander production.
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The elder Moniak, now 86, played six seasons in the Red Sox farm system from 1958-63, and like Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, was among the young outfielders who benefited from the tutelage of a special batting instructor named Ted Williams at spring training ‘61-63.
Verb
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Andrew Coffman, an Atlanta employment discrimination and civil rights lawyer, has represented employees and employers and worked as an internal investigator for companies.
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According to the study, the detections represent the most robust evidence of organic material found in Jezero Crater so far.
Verb
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Over the past three and a half decades, the group has performed across the country, including in Las Vegas and Detroit, while also making history closer to home.
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More than just a sporting event, live music capped the action on the first two nights, with Kaskade headlining Friday and DJs Mustard and Subtronics set to perform Saturday.
Verb
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In order to understand what is happening, the reader must interpret the images and the character’s dialogue.
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Research that starts online often bears more fruit when it’s continued in person at a genealogical library, where professional genealogists and librarians can help locate and interpret records.
Verb
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Smoke, salt, pepper and bark do the work.
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Mark Thompson does the costume and scenic design, with lighting by Howard Harrison.
Cite this Entry
“Portray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portray. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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