1
as in described
to give a representation or account of in words
the author portrays her characters with lifelike vividness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of portrayed
Getty portrayed the cantankerous but charming matriarch Sophia Petrillo, the mother of Arthur's character, and McClanahan played the flirtatious Southern belle Blanche.
—
Ashley Hume , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025
The evening doubles as a salute to the 25th anniversary of Girlfriends, the groundbreaking sitcom that redefined how Black women’s friendships, ambitions, and complexities were portrayed on screen.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 13 Sep. 2025
In the trailer, Ruffalo’s Tom is assigned to the task force by FBI honcho Kathleen, portrayed by Martha Plimpton.
—Liza Esquibias, People.com, 13 Sep. 2025
While some Hamas apologists have portrayed the word as benign, its real meaning is undeniably violent — and not just for Israelis.
—Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Historical trappings aside, the role marks a departure from the rakish George Wickham or anyone he’s portrayed before.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
Four cast members from the classic romance series reunited at the Off Broadway premiere of Lady Patriot, a play written and directed by Ted Lange, who portrayed bartender Isaac Washington on the beloved series.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Sep. 2025
The series, based on May Cobb’s novel, follows Sophie O’Neill, portrayed by Brittany Snow, as she gets pulled into the dangerous world of glamorous socialite Margo Banks, played by Malin Akerman.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 12 Sep. 2025
He was often portrayed as a DOGE patsy, perhaps even a fool.
—Eli Hager, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2025
Ashley Hume , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025
The evening doubles as a salute to the 25th anniversary of Girlfriends, the groundbreaking sitcom that redefined how Black women’s friendships, ambitions, and complexities were portrayed on screen.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 13 Sep. 2025
In the trailer, Ruffalo’s Tom is assigned to the task force by FBI honcho Kathleen, portrayed by Martha Plimpton.
—Liza Esquibias, People.com, 13 Sep. 2025
While some Hamas apologists have portrayed the word as benign, its real meaning is undeniably violent — and not just for Israelis.
—Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Historical trappings aside, the role marks a departure from the rakish George Wickham or anyone he’s portrayed before.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
Four cast members from the classic romance series reunited at the Off Broadway premiere of Lady Patriot, a play written and directed by Ted Lange, who portrayed bartender Isaac Washington on the beloved series.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Sep. 2025
The series, based on May Cobb’s novel, follows Sophie O’Neill, portrayed by Brittany Snow, as she gets pulled into the dangerous world of glamorous socialite Margo Banks, played by Malin Akerman.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 12 Sep. 2025
He was often portrayed as a DOGE patsy, perhaps even a fool.
—Eli Hager, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portrayed
Verb
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It’s gotten so bad that, in one of the largest H-2A criminal cases ever, a federal judge described the abuse of these workers as a form of modern-day slavery.—
Max Blau,
ProPublica,
16 Sep. 2025
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Boelter’s motivation remains unclear, but investigators found a one-and-a-half-page letter, described as rambling and difficult to read, that was ascribed to him.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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An obsession for excellence is characterized by clarity about standards, allegiance to discipline, sustained commitment, and a tenacious reach for one's absolute optimum.—
Chip Bell,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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There are many different varieties of ramen across Japan, and Sanno ramen is characterized by its blend of soy sauce, pork, and chicken.—
Kim Kay,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Listings on marketplaces Etsy and needshirt showed shirts replicating the one depicted in images the FBI circulated in their search for the suspect.—
Kate Plummer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
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Christy costars Ben Foster as Martin's manager-turned-husband James, initially depicted as loving and supportive (one shot shows Christy gleefully leaping into his arms after winning a match), but eventually revealed as possessive and dangerous.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Pro Football Hall of Famer who played 17 years for the Miami Dolphins is widely considered to be one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, served as an analyst for The NFL Today on CBS for over a decade and most importantly was in a movie with Jim Carrey and an actual dolphin.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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Aduba, 44, played famous detective Cordelia Cupp, who was determined to solve an unexpected murder at the White House, in The Residence.—
Liza Esquibias,
PEOPLE,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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People in the anxious group performed worse on intuitive decision-making than those in the neutral or positive groups.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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Ryan Cabrera, another millennial favorite, also performed with the band that same night.—
Staff Author,
PEOPLE,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But right now, the FDA mandate is interpreted as requiring companies to check only whether a treatment works in a trial in an isolated condition (efficacy), largely ignoring what works best in whom in practice (effectiveness).—
Dan Riskin,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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These inconsistencies create legal gray areas in how the laws are interpreted and enforced.—
Andrew Yockey,
The Conversation,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Portrayed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portrayed. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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