portrayal

noun

pȯr-ˈtrā(-ə)l How to pronounce portrayal (audio)
Definition of portrayalnext
as in depiction
a vivid representation in words of someone or something his novel presents a moving portrayal of a woman searching for personal fulfillment and happiness

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 portrayal The play, starring John Lithgow, already recouped its capitalization in May, with Lithgow winning a Tony for his portrayal of Roald Dahl. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026 For his work in television, Glover earned four Emmy nominations, including for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela in HBO's Mandela. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026 Taken together, the findings help explain why the Oreshnik’s conventional performance has often fallen short of its reputation while challenging Moscow's portrayal of the weapon as a next-generation missile. — David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Hargitay, 62, has earned eight Emmy nominations for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for her portrayal of Detective Olivia Benson on NBC’s long-running crime procedural, which premiered in 1999. — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for portrayal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portrayal
  1. depiction
  2. description
  3. portrait
  4. picture
Noun
  • Like that 1851 depiction of Washington, these portraits smudge the details of history in favor of a fantasy.
    — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
  • Friendship was a tender, absurd depiction of a one-sided, quasi-platonic infatuation.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 2 July 2026
Definition of depiction
Noun
  • While conducting surveillance, McCurnin spotted a man riding an electric scooter who matched the suspect’s description.
    — Velvet Wu July 1, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
  • Make care work, such as offering emotional support, mentoring, and change management, part of the job description.
    — Holly Corbett, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of description
Noun
  • Vexed by the story, Gonzalez created acontemporary portrait of Katteuha.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • This is the portrait of then-General George Washington at Valley Forge, praying for guidance when the fight for America's independence seemed lost.
    — Lauren Green, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of portrait
Noun
  • This picture taken on March 26, 2026 shows an oil tanker unloading crude oil at a port in Yantai, in China's eastern Shandong province.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • Your parents’ and grandparents’ faded photo family albums probably have similar pictures too.
    — Tracy Stone-Manning, Denver Post, 6 July 2026
Definition of picture

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portrayal
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Cite this Entry

“Portrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portrayal. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on portrayal

Nglish: Translation of portrayal for Spanish Speakers

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