Definition of representnext
1
as in to characterize
to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group the writer of the magazine article represented the students at the academy as a bunch of spoiled brats

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2
as in to depict
to present a picture of a painting representing the ocean at sunrise

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3
as in to symbolize
to serve as a material counterpart of this orange represents the sun and this pea represents the Earth

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of represent These stages represent critical steps toward reactor enclosure and system integration. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Jan. 2026 At the time the event represented an innovative break from traditional trade and fair models. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 28 Jan. 2026 This past year also was elevated by the success that the league’s TV partners had in harnessing the lure of live game coverage to drive larger corporate imperatives — namely, building up the streaming platforms that represent the future for the parent companies of NBC, CBS, ESPN/ABC and Fox. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 28 Jan. 2026 Duffy represented the 7th District from 2011 until his early retirement in 2019. Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for represent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for represent
Verb
  • To him, 1000 Corporate Drive was no call center; that term would better characterize his previous dump in Hollywood, Florida.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The move was characterized as a typical political conflict; however, the revelations from these whistleblowers raise questions about whether there could have also been a motive to keep wrongdoing concealed.
    Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In May 2025, Fadich posted a graphic on Instagram depicting a gun pointed directly at Mace’s face.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Unfortunately, at least as depicted in Part 1, Sophie and Benedict’s romance lacks the tantalizing heat and erotic chemistry of the show’s previous central couples.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • They were deemed thugs and animals, and were said to symbolize all that was wrong with America’s cities as well as with the liberals who had enabled the city’s poor, lazy, and criminal elements.
    Heather Ann Thompson, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Their clothes are smeared with mud, symbolizing the earthy, devotional spirit of the journey.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • After he was arrested in August 2023, Wei was asked by FBI investigators to describe his actions involving the Chinese intelligence agent.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Words can't describe how much he's done for me and all the other players.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Republicans portrayed the move as partisan and urged an appeal.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Erika Toda portrays Hosoki, while Sairi Ito plays Minori Uozumi, a writer tasked with ghostwriting Hosoki’s autobiography.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Freelancer's dogfighting represented a move away from the joystick revolution that had defined the space in the 90s, instead relying on a simplified flight model where the spacecraft followed the movement of the mouse.
    Alan Bradley, Space.com, 31 Jan. 2026
  • There’s other things behind it, but this is defining, right?
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 31 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Represent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/represent. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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