portrayal

noun

por·​tray·​al pȯr-ˈtrā(-ə)l How to pronounce portrayal (audio)
pər-
Synonyms of portrayalnext
1
: the act or process or an instance of portraying : representation
2
: portrait

Synonyms of portrayal

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Examples of portrayal in a Sentence

his novel presents a moving portrayal of a woman searching for personal fulfillment and happiness
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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.
Since then, portrayals of rural America have been up and down. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 8 July 2026 Sandler’s portrayal of Happy Gilmore has become one of his most famous for his over-the-top comedic anger, which turns more heartfelt as the film progresses. — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026 Historical evidence supports this portrayal to some extent, with exhausted monks leaving wry marginal notes. — Literary Hub, 6 July 2026 These critiques were amplified by Black content creators and the general social media audience, who took issue with the genre’s Eurocentric portrayal of knowledge and intellectualism. — Sophia Zhang, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for portrayal

Word History

Etymology

portray + -al entry 2

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of portrayal was in 1843

Rhymes for portrayal

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Browse Nearby Words

portray
portrayal
portrayer
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Cite this Entry

“Portrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portrayal. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

portrayal

noun
por·​tray·​al pōr-ˈtrā(-ə)l How to pronounce portrayal (audio)
pȯr-
1
: the act or process of portraying : representation
2
: portrait sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on portrayal

Nglish: Translation of portrayal for Spanish Speakers

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