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
At Sundance 2025, Hall recalled receiving notes on her portrayal of the author of Peter Hujar’s Day from the woman herself.
—
Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025
Contributing Entertainment Writer 0 Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors
Ashley Park, known for her role in Emily in Paris, has captivated audiences with her portrayal of Mindy Chen in the show, the bubbly and stylish best friend of Lily Collins' iconic character.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
For Erivo, winning Best Actress for her portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked (also nominated for Best Motion Picture) could cement her in history, not only as the first Black woman to take home the trophy since Halle Berry in 2002, but as the youngest entertainer to achieve EGOT status.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 23 Jan. 2025
Grande’s Wicked co-star, Cynthia Erivo, received a nod for Best Actress for her portrayal of Elphaba Thropp.
—Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for portrayal 
Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025
Contributing Entertainment Writer 0 Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors
Ashley Park, known for her role in Emily in Paris, has captivated audiences with her portrayal of Mindy Chen in the show, the bubbly and stylish best friend of Lily Collins' iconic character.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
For Erivo, winning Best Actress for her portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked (also nominated for Best Motion Picture) could cement her in history, not only as the first Black woman to take home the trophy since Halle Berry in 2002, but as the youngest entertainer to achieve EGOT status.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 23 Jan. 2025
Grande’s Wicked co-star, Cynthia Erivo, received a nod for Best Actress for her portrayal of Elphaba Thropp.
—Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for portrayal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portrayal
Noun
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The dramatized depiction of an investigation into Chandler’s claims against Jackson open and close the script, Puck states.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
24 Jan. 2025
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Her vivid depictions of climate change, inequality and resilience remain a testament to her unparalleled ability to look at the present and imagine what lies ahead.—
Melissa Noel,
Essence,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The legal descriptions correspond to 2955, 2960 and 2990 Coconut Ave.—
Linda Robertson,
Miami Herald,
26 Jan. 2025
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Police did not release a description of the vehicle nor information about a possible suspect.—
Gary Warth,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The event, taking place beneath 400 dazzling disco balls, feature an auction of works by celebrity photographer Greg Gorman, including portraits of Debbie Harry, Grace Jones and David Bowie.—
Kirsten Chuba,
The Hollywood Reporter,
27 Jan. 2025
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Over the years, the portraits of her deepened and became more compassionate.—
Karl Ove Knausgaard,
The New Yorker,
27 Jan. 2025
Noun
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His pictures speak in a cinematic voice that is uniquely and completely his own.—
Matt Minton,
Variety,
4 Feb. 2025
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There was also a deeper meaning to the new picture of Princess Kate shared before World Cancer Day because Prince Louis took it!—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
3 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near portrayal
Cite this Entry
“Portrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portrayal. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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