portrayal

noun

por·​tray·​al pȯr-ˈtrā(-ə)l How to pronounce portrayal (audio)
pər-
Synonyms of portrayal
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.
Some of Lakshmana’s actions complicate an idealized portrayal of his devotion. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026 And the film doesn’t let Seyfried off the hook either, forcing her to confront how her portrayal in The Dropout might have been painful for Holmes, despite clearly being fictionalized to allow for taking a few liberties with the facts. — ArsTechnica, 30 Oct. 2026 Period portrayals have come a long way in recent years, from Broad City’s period pants to Turning Red’s metaphorical red panda. — Fiorella Valdesolo, Allure, 30 Oct. 2026 There is no ‘Logan’ without his brave portrayal of Charles Xavier. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 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
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