1
as in describing
to give a representation or account of in words
the author portrays her characters with lifelike vividness
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in characterizing
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 depicting
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 playing
to present a portrayal or performance of
gained fame portraying Susan B. Anthony in a one-woman show
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Recent Examples of portraying
Even the most inspirational films about growing up in the inner-city have a tendency to look down on their subjects, portraying them as characters to be rescued or redeemed.
—
Peter Debruge, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026
Later in her career, Wendel also stepped into voice acting, portraying Aunt Grizelda in the film adaptation of The Lorax.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
Grady Demond Wilson, the actor known for portraying Lamont Sanford on Sanford and Son, has died.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2026
O'Hara's first acting gig was portraying the Virgin Mary in a Nativity play.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 30 Jan. 2026
Rhodes has been a babyface—effectively portraying this same character—dating back to when AEW opened its doors in 2019.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
After portraying Olympic-level rivals on screen, Storrie and Williams will have the opportunity to play a role in the real-life Games.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 23 Jan. 2026
The slogans also reinforced the regime’s efforts to delegitimize the protests by portraying them as a plot by external and internal enemies, including the monarchists, to destabilize the country.
—Eric Lob, The Conversation, 23 Jan. 2026
Under the contract, McGraw is barred from using any footage identified by the mayor’s office as compromising public safety, revealing investigatory techniques or portraying NYPD unfavorably.
—Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 22 Jan. 2026
Peter Debruge, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026
Later in her career, Wendel also stepped into voice acting, portraying Aunt Grizelda in the film adaptation of The Lorax.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
Grady Demond Wilson, the actor known for portraying Lamont Sanford on Sanford and Son, has died.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2026
O'Hara's first acting gig was portraying the Virgin Mary in a Nativity play.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 30 Jan. 2026
Rhodes has been a babyface—effectively portraying this same character—dating back to when AEW opened its doors in 2019.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
After portraying Olympic-level rivals on screen, Storrie and Williams will have the opportunity to play a role in the real-life Games.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 23 Jan. 2026
The slogans also reinforced the regime’s efforts to delegitimize the protests by portraying them as a plot by external and internal enemies, including the monarchists, to destabilize the country.
—Eric Lob, The Conversation, 23 Jan. 2026
Under the contract, McGraw is barred from using any footage identified by the mayor’s office as compromising public safety, revealing investigatory techniques or portraying NYPD unfavorably.
—Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 22 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portraying
Verb
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The paper describing the system has been published in the journal Radiation Measurements, and is open access so that others may benefit from the findings.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
28 Jan. 2026
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But O'Hara said he's seen no evidence that Pretti brandished a weapon, describing him as someone who appeared to be lawfully recording law enforcement activity while legally carrying a firearm.—
Sarah N. Lynch,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Conservatives, currently led by Kemi Badenoch, slammed Braverman following her defection, characterizing her as an inevitable turncoat and questioning her mental faculties.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Jan. 2026
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Federal prosecutors reportedly investigated federal contractors that consider diversity, characterizing such initiatives as fraud.—
Spencer Overton,
The Conversation,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Carrillo also brought a baseball and a trading card depicting one of his favorite players.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Jan. 2026
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The jury, which includes both film and science professionals, presents the award to an outstanding feature film focusing on science or technology as a theme or depicting a scientist, engineer, or mathematician as a major character.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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While Congress currently appears inclined to reject those reductions, most universities are playing it very cautiously with respect to research and graduate education commitments, given the uncertainty that’s likely to continue at the federal level.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Mesidor lacks ideal length and turns 25 in April after playing six college seasons.—
Joseph Person,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The ban also potentially strengthens the cartels by giving them another revenue stream that is not a high priority for the United States government, because vapes are still legal there, said Alejandro Rosario, a lawyer representing many vape shops.—
María Verza,
Fortune,
31 Jan. 2026
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The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is located inside the park as well, and the whole family can add to a day at the beach with a visit to its Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility and outdoor aquariums representing different Southeast Florida marine habitats.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But when equity markets aren’t performing well, collections take a major hit.—
Lanhee J. Chen,
Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2026
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Shukurova did not follow standard surgical procedures, such as taking the victim's medical history or performing a basic physical exam, per the district attorney's press release.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Cooperation will remain the defining test.—
Vaishali Nigam Sinha,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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In Hollywood, where perception is everything, that narrative risks defining him permanently.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Interestingly, the clip of the penguin proved something of a Rorschach test, with some viewing the creature as a lonely outcast, and others interpreting the penguin’s journey as a quest for adventure.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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Understanding Latin America is not merely a requirement for interpreting headlines about Venezuela but a prerequisite for Americans to understand themselves and their place in the world.—
Ana L. Ros,
The Conversation,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Portraying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portraying. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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