portrayal

noun

por·​tray·​al pȯr-ˈtrā(-ə)l How to pronounce portrayal (audio)
pər-
1
: the act or process or an instance of portraying : representation
2

Examples of portrayal in a Sentence

his novel presents a moving portrayal of a woman searching for personal fulfillment and happiness
Recent Examples on the Web
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Although the portrayal of a high-functioning autistic person can still feel clumsy, and at times disappointingly cartoonish, Christian celebrates his difference even more in The Accountant 2. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2025 His role shows a very realistic portrayal of the good, the bad, and the ugly of what a studio head has to deal with. Vincent Perella, IndieWire, 8 Mar. 2025 As boss, Patrick Kramer eschews the oily portrayal of some to make his Franklin Hart a straight-up dolt. Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025 Not even Caplan, whose one-note portrayal of a quarrelsome congresswoman is enough to make one yearn for the subtleties and emotional shadings of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for portrayal

Word History

Etymology

portray + -al entry 2

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of portrayal was in 1843

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Portrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portrayal. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

portrayal

noun
por·​tray·​al pōr-ˈtrā(-ə)l How to pronounce portrayal (audio)
pȯr-
1
: the act or process of portraying : representation
2

More from Merriam-Webster on portrayal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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