representation

noun

Definition of representationnext
as in depiction
a visual design intended to look like someone or something The cave was painted with representations of horses and bison.

Related Words

Relevance

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 representation This may appeal to those looking for comprehensive representation. — Adam Palasciano, USA Today, 25 July 2026 The problem was determining which, if any, of his braid representations were unfaithful. — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 24 July 2026 Those firms took ownership stakes in sports teams — football club AC Milan and the NFL’s Denver Broncos — and thus couldn’t own a stake in a sports talent representation firm. — Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026 That representation in classical music performance is a key goal for the group's leaders. — Juana Summers, NPR, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for representation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for representation
  1. depiction
  2. portrait
  3. image
  4. drawing
  5. picture
  6. illustration
  7. photograph
Noun
  • The design includes an image of the President alongside the text of the Declaration of Independence, as well as a Freedom 250 gold flag and a depiction of the Founding Fathers gathering to sign the Declaration of Independence.
    — Chantelle Lee, Time, 31 July 2026
  • The series’ blend of soapy melodramatics and rough-and-tumble underworld menace will be familiar to anybody who has watched Power, but Power and its spinoffs have always been confident in their only-for-adults depictions of adults-only situations.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
Definition of depiction
Noun
  • The heartwarming family portrait captures a moment of togetherness before an important new chapter for the eldest, who is set to begin boarding school at Eton College this fall.
    — Mathilde Engelmann, Vanity Fair, 30 July 2026
  • His new cinematic experience, for example, turns romantic ideas of the summer on their head to paint a contemporary portrait of longing for connection steeped in resignation.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
Definition of portrait
Noun
  • The smoke trail seen in the image extends to nearly 200 kilometers south of the facility according to a CNN analysis.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • The image of Tessarion chained in the sept in Tumbleton feels quite emblematic of his own internal experience.
    — Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 27 July 2026
Definition of image
Noun
  • The drawing also marks Powerball's expansion into the United Kingdom, bringing more players into the game and potentially setting the stage for even larger jackpots in the future.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 26 July 2026
  • That would be the Powerball big prize, which will be up to $633 million for Monday’s drawing.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 26 July 2026
Definition of drawing
Noun
  • These pictures, taken over the weekend, show the evacuation operation in full swing in the French city of Bordeaux.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • Beyond the world title pictures, Redemption also began laying the groundwork for the undercard.
    — Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of picture
Noun
  • Perhaps the most striking illustration involves a private intelligence firm staffed largely by former Israeli military and intelligence officers.
    — David Niccolini, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • An Emily Henry novel announces warmth, wit, emotional accessibility, and optimism through bright palettes, graphic illustration, and playful typography.
    — Madelyn Johnson, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • At one point during the project, the participant asked Leniain to remove the photograph.
    — Michael-Oliver Harding, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • The gift expands the museum’s holdings across six curatorial departments, including modern and contemporary art, African American art, American art, European sculpture and decorative arts, Native American art, and prints, drawings, and photographs.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of photograph

Browse Nearby Words

represent
representation
representational
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Representation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/representation. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on representation

Nglish: Translation of representation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about representation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of spindrift

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All