1
as in describes
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 characterizes
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 depicts
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 plays
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 portrays
On the series, Galligan portrays Lady Olivia Hedges-White, a real-life aristocrat from a once-prominent family.
—
Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025
DiCaprio portrays the character as someone who is both actively trying to be progressive but also frustrated by his limitations.
—Richard Newby, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
Ronald Peet eloquently portrays the writer Soot.
—Audiofile Magazine
september 30, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025
The musician also shared his gratitude for Jeremy Strong, who portrays his attentive manager Jon Landau, as well as his onscreen parents.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
Alongside Lopez, who portrays the titular role, Diego Luna and Tonatiuh also star.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
Eddie Marsan portrays King Edward, while Juliet Stevenson appears as Lady Emma of Normandy.
—Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 28 Sep. 2025
Key portrays art thief Ed Mackey.
—Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
In This Way Up, Khuyagaa portrays Mongolian contortionists, symbols of both strength and elegance.
—Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025
DiCaprio portrays the character as someone who is both actively trying to be progressive but also frustrated by his limitations.
—Richard Newby, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
Ronald Peet eloquently portrays the writer Soot.
—Audiofile Magazine
september 30, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025
The musician also shared his gratitude for Jeremy Strong, who portrays his attentive manager Jon Landau, as well as his onscreen parents.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
Alongside Lopez, who portrays the titular role, Diego Luna and Tonatiuh also star.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
Eddie Marsan portrays King Edward, while Juliet Stevenson appears as Lady Emma of Normandy.
—Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 28 Sep. 2025
Key portrays art thief Ed Mackey.
—Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
In This Way Up, Khuyagaa portrays Mongolian contortionists, symbols of both strength and elegance.
—Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portrays
Verb
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As Mark describes his strategies, his reflections quickly outleap the specifics of the sport and take on a philosophical dimension.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
30 Sep. 2025
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Yep, that describes the Giants for most of the summer, all right.—
Grant Brisbee,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But what characterizes this style?—
Irene Reyes,
Glamour,
23 Sep. 2025
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The documentary characterizes this apparent persecution of Mosby as part of the same beast keeping Syed in prison.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The song was released with the video, an ode to pastels that depicts the changing of the guard from one album to the next with a snake turning into a cluster of butterflies.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
1 Oct. 2025
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The celestial dial depicts the starry sky and Milky Way in warm, volcanic tones, rather than cool, blue hues.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Fans of the stage show know the second act is a pivotal moment for Fiyero and, by extension, the man who plays him.—
Olivia-Anne Cleary,
Time,
30 Sep. 2025
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And Kirsten Dunst plays Leigh Wainscott, the Charlotte mom Manchester dated while hiding out off Independence Boulevard.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The city also performs well in affordability and variety.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
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EncryptionSafe also offers a free edition that performs all essential encryption tasks, and Encrypto is entirely free.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The report examines what matters most to Gen Z and Gen Alpha and interprets generational shifts in consumer behavior linked to mental health, identity and more.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
22 Sep. 2025
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Instead of pulling up a static list of results, Comet interprets intent, synthesizes information and presents users with contextual answers and next steps.—
Tony Bradley,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The series represents a new phase for Williams, taking creative control as a producer.—
H. Alan Scott,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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The pay is so low because managers typically restrict those positions to part-time work, said SeAdoreia Brown, president of the AFSCME union chapter that represents the park aides.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Portrays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portrays. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.
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