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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of portrayal
Alec Guinness set an early and unmatched precedent with an Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actor his portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi in 1977’s Star Wars.
—
Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 23 July 2025
Adrien won two Best Actor Oscars for his portrayal of real-life pianist/Holocaust survivor Władyshław Szpilman in 2003's The Pianist and fictional architect/Holocaust survivor László Tóth in 2024's The Brutalist.
—Katie Labovitz, People.com, 22 July 2025
Quinn previously told Entertainment Weekly that his version of Johnny Storm, AKA The Human Torch, would differ from his predecessor Chris Evans’ portrayal.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 21 July 2025
Each of these artists — whether through sculpture, photography, video, painting or language — has challenged conventional portrayals of women’s bodies, emotions and experiences.
—Megan Williams, CNN Money, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for portrayal
Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 23 July 2025
Adrien won two Best Actor Oscars for his portrayal of real-life pianist/Holocaust survivor Władyshław Szpilman in 2003's The Pianist and fictional architect/Holocaust survivor László Tóth in 2024's The Brutalist.
—Katie Labovitz, People.com, 22 July 2025
Quinn previously told Entertainment Weekly that his version of Johnny Storm, AKA The Human Torch, would differ from his predecessor Chris Evans’ portrayal.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 21 July 2025
Each of these artists — whether through sculpture, photography, video, painting or language — has challenged conventional portrayals of women’s bodies, emotions and experiences.
—Megan Williams, CNN Money, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for portrayal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portrayal
Noun
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The episode, which aired July 23, ruffled more than a few feathers with its depiction of President Donald Trump.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
26 July 2025
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The president was depicted similarly to South Park’s depiction of Saddam Hussein in its 1999 feature-length movie, South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut: ill-tempered, conniving and cruel.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
24 July 2025
Noun
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Editor’s note: This article contains descriptions of child abuse.—
Ryan Murphy,
IndyStar,
25 July 2025
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Stop padding job descriptions with laundry lists of software and skills.—
Julia Korn,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
Noun
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There’s also a portrait of an adult Dolly in the lobby on the opposite side of the lobby.—
Robin Raven,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
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These stories are not portraits of strangers, but shared moments of recognition, care, and resistance.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
25 July 2025
Noun
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For trucking cases where liability can hinge on a phone interaction seconds before impact, logical extraction provides an incomplete and potentially misleading picture.—
Lars Daniel,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
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Actor Paddy Considine shared a picture of Osbourne on Instagram.—
Marina Watts,
People.com,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Portrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portrayal. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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