1
as in to describe
to give a representation or account of in words
the author portrays her characters with lifelike vividness
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Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to characterize
to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group
traditionally, European authors portrayed the natives as wise and noble
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3
as in to depict
to present a picture of
a landscape that portrays the scenery near the town where the painter grew up
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4
as in to play
to present a portrayal or performance of
gained fame portraying Susan B. Anthony in a one-woman show
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of portray
Take the central Black character Peggy Scott, portrayed by Denée Benton, for example, who was first presented to viewers as a writer and later personal assistant and secretary to a central character, Agnes Van Rhijn, played by Christine Baranski.
—
Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 29 July 2025
In a bit of soap world Trading Spaces, the actor who most recently portrayed the Days staple is none other than Flynn, who joined Y&R earlier this year, and was with Chance in his final moments.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 28 July 2025
For nearly 30 years, Mark Calaway, the man who portrayed The Undertaker, meticulously protected his character's mystique.
—Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025
When not painting biblical scenes and images of saints, these artists were portraying the rich and powerful.
—Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for portray
Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 29 July 2025
In a bit of soap world Trading Spaces, the actor who most recently portrayed the Days staple is none other than Flynn, who joined Y&R earlier this year, and was with Chance in his final moments.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 28 July 2025
For nearly 30 years, Mark Calaway, the man who portrayed The Undertaker, meticulously protected his character's mystique.
—Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025
When not painting biblical scenes and images of saints, these artists were portraying the rich and powerful.
—Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for portray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portray
Verb
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The Grand Canyon has never been adequately described in words or music notes.—
Tom Zoellner,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
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The documents shed light on how former friends and fellow students described him, the disturbing murder scene at the King Road house, what his first interview with officers after his arrest entailed and Kohberger’s life in prison.—
Elise Hammond,
CNN Money,
24 July 2025
Verb
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But despite still amassing wins and accolades, Ledecky – whose early career was characterized by outrageously fast times – hadn’t bagged a world record in seven years.—
Amy Woodyatt,
CNN Money,
25 July 2025
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And all these studies are based on self-reporting by individuals, and family members may characterize their roles differently.—
Howard Gleckman,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Verb
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The final glimpse of their lives depicted them in Paris raising Tali (Isla Gie in Tony & Ziva).—
Ryan Coleman Published,
EW.com,
24 July 2025
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The 2005 adaptation of the beloved Marvel comics depicted the origin story of the foursome, played by Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans and Michael Chiklis.—
Brendan Le,
People.com,
24 July 2025
Verb
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Cash, 47, played for Francona when the Reds manager helmed the Boston Red Sox and then served as Francona’s bullpen coach in Cleveland before becoming the Rays’ manager.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
26 July 2025
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Messi and Alba practiced with the club Friday in anticipation of playing in Saturday’s match before MLS announced the suspension.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
26 July 2025
Verb
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Aurora's newest ship, the Douglas Mawson, also represents a leap forward.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
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The trade deadline represents a once-a-season opportunity.—
Dennis Lin,
New York Times,
26 July 2025
Verb
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In previous competitions, only four to five participants were selected to perform live pitches in front of a panel of judges.—
Sofia Joseph,
jsonline.com,
2 Aug. 2025
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Shumate’s memo directs prosecutors to prioritize investigations against doctors, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies that perform such procedures.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Analysts interpreted the data as Europe’s economy so far showing resilience in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.—
Sophie Kiderlin,
CNBC,
1 Aug. 2025
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The installation also functions as a multi-act musical score that will be collaboratively interpreted by the artist and an as-yet unidentified regional composer, according to a museum news release.—
Eric E. Harrison,
Arkansas Online,
30 July 2025
Verb
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No matter what Ulla was doing, Mala had to be doing that and something better, Ulla complained.—
Kiran Desai,
New Yorker,
3 Aug. 2025
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However, those whose closets are truly bursting at the seams may need to do so even more often.—
Sarah Lyon,
Southern Living,
3 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Portray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portray. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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