Definition of representnext
1
as in to characterize
to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group the writer of the magazine article represented the students at the academy as a bunch of spoiled brats

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2
as in to depict
to present a picture of a painting representing the ocean at sunrise

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3
as in to symbolize
to serve as a material counterpart of this orange represents the sun and this pea represents the Earth

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of represent Modesto’s test scores grew enough to represent an extra 18 weeks of learning in math and 13 weeks in reading. ABC News, 13 May 2026 Jogia is represented by CAA and Berwick & Kovacik. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 13 May 2026 Separately, a group representing rural mobile carriers criticized the approvals, saying the FCC ignored competition concerns raised by small wireless operators. ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026 The seven-month gap between missions represents the longest drought for Starship since SpaceX debuted the rocket in April 2023. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for represent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for represent
Verb
  • In the past couple of decades, however, Czernowin has deëmphasized the frantic gesturing that characterizes so much latter-day modernism.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • On March 23, 20 states and the District of Columbia sued the USDA to block the new terms for receiving federal funding, which the states characterized as coercive.
    Chiara Eisner, NPR, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • What is depicted in these pages is beyond human comprehension.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2026
  • The Goya frescoes depicting the miracle of Saint Anthony of Padua, painted in 1789, are a prime example of the artist’s revolutionary style.
    Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Connecting Venice and Shanghai Through Water and Technology Each of the three vessels represents birth, growth and rebirth—or reincarnation, a central Buddhist concept—symbolized respectively by the colors yellow, red and blue.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
  • The bird has long symbolized American values like strength, freedom and independence, said Kochersperger.
    Sarah Raza, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Rather than romanticizing the awards-season whirlwind, Coon described the logistical reality behind it that includes 18-hour days, early-morning events, parenting responsibilities and the invisible labor required to sustain a performing career.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 18 May 2026
  • The event brought together pastors, fathers, mentors, activists, business leaders, former gang members and residents from across Chicago in what organizers described as a unified effort to promote safety, accountability and opportunity on the South Side.
    Greg Wehner , Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • As the normies, Teller and his naive wife, portrayed by Scarlett Johansson, feel like kids playing dress-up.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
  • That means seducing Paris Carver, Elliot's wife and Bond's ex, portrayed by Teri Hatcher.
    John Russell, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • The best bits of Body of Work are defined by the ideas that don’t center Skeletrix in the frame, the half-thoughts and thorny passages that breeze past if you aren’t locked in.
    Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 15 May 2026
  • While World Cup organizers are heavily promoting certain songs, Herrera says many others will be vying to define the tournament this year.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Represent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/represent. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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