1
as in described
to give a representation or account of in words
the author portrays her characters with lifelike vividness
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in characterized
to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group
traditionally, European authors portrayed the natives as wise and noble
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in depicted
to present a picture of
a landscape that portrays the scenery near the town where the painter grew up
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in played
to present a portrayal or performance of
gained fame portraying Susan B. Anthony in a one-woman show
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of portrayed
Then Colbert made a joke of introducing Pope Leo as the final guest, portrayed as refusing to come out of his dressing room, before the real guest came out for an interview that extended across commercial breaks.
—
Chris Willman, Variety, 22 May 2026
Tech leaders have portrayed the role of human software engineers as a human in the loop, overseeing and verifying AI agents that do the work of coders.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
Monochromatic racks of product are matched by the store’s unsatisfied and underpaid employees, including a glam goth sales associate turned labor organizer, Violeta, played by Eiza Gonzalez and a hilariously uptight store manager Grayson, portrayed by Will Poulter.
—Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 22 May 2026
In one video, Pratt is portrayed as Batman, protecting the city from Mayor Karen Bass, dressed as the Joker.
—Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 22 May 2026
Initially portrayed as an underdog, Bracco rose to become a dominant strategic force that landed a spot in the final three chairs alongside Tai Trang and Michele Fitzgerald.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 21 May 2026
Previously, Spiro portrayed Rachel in three seasons of the Emmy-winning Netflix series Ozark with Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, contributing to the series’ SAG Award nomination for Best Ensemble Cast.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 May 2026
In the film, Walter portrayed Chessy, the housekeeper and nanny to Nick Parker (played by Dennis Quaid).
—Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Some have portrayed family caregivers as illegitimately cashing in on government largesse.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 15 May 2026
Chris Willman, Variety, 22 May 2026
Tech leaders have portrayed the role of human software engineers as a human in the loop, overseeing and verifying AI agents that do the work of coders.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
Monochromatic racks of product are matched by the store’s unsatisfied and underpaid employees, including a glam goth sales associate turned labor organizer, Violeta, played by Eiza Gonzalez and a hilariously uptight store manager Grayson, portrayed by Will Poulter.
—Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 22 May 2026
In one video, Pratt is portrayed as Batman, protecting the city from Mayor Karen Bass, dressed as the Joker.
—Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 22 May 2026
Initially portrayed as an underdog, Bracco rose to become a dominant strategic force that landed a spot in the final three chairs alongside Tai Trang and Michele Fitzgerald.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 21 May 2026
Previously, Spiro portrayed Rachel in three seasons of the Emmy-winning Netflix series Ozark with Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, contributing to the series’ SAG Award nomination for Best Ensemble Cast.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 May 2026
In the film, Walter portrayed Chessy, the housekeeper and nanny to Nick Parker (played by Dennis Quaid).
—Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Some have portrayed family caregivers as illegitimately cashing in on government largesse.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 15 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portrayed
Verb
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As the officers deployed what Wahl described as an active shooter response at the mosque and at an adjacent school, more gunfire was reported blocks away, the chief said.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
19 May 2026
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During a January game on ESPN, for example, a commentator described betting that a specific player would score at least 30 points before a second commentator announced a DraftKings promo code.—
Luke Connors,
Washington Post,
19 May 2026
Verb
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Goldschmied exits Daily Blue to launch Goldie, another woman’s jeans brands characterized by innovative production techniques like the use of pigments and garment dyeing.—
Maria Cristina Pavarini,
Footwear News,
18 May 2026
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The defense has characterized the search of his bag as a violation of his constitutional rights.—
Michael Ruiz , Maria Paronich,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
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In an odd coincidence that shows how much this kind of story was burning to be told, two movies debuting at major festivals this past year have both depicted the same unlikely gay romance — one involving gritty, hardworking professional truckers living on the road.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2026
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Nagatitan’s name references Naga, a serpent-like being in some Asian religious traditions that is prominently depicted in various Thai temples.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Chris Sanon, the Orlando area’s leader in sacks a year ago, played well in his move to linebacker from edge rusher.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 May 2026
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He’s only played in four major championships in his career.—
Brendan Quinn,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
Verb
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Marketing and implementation analyses were performed to determine whether a new name could realistically be adopted across healthcare systems, medical education, research institutions and public communication.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
19 May 2026
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That remains up for debate, although the northern courses since the calendar move in 2019 — Bethpage Black and Oak Hill in New York and Aronimink — have performed well.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 May 2026
Verb
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After cards are pulled, their meanings are interpreted through the lens of the reader’s question, circumstances and life history.—
Ziv Epstein,
Fortune,
16 May 2026
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Every infectious disease event is now interpreted through the emotional memory of COVID — whether scientifically appropriate or not.—
Steve Brozak,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Portrayed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portrayed. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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