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
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.
The show’s vibrant portrayal of macro-level changes experienced by a city in transition is juxtaposed by a tight focus on the close relationships between its characters, especially the deep bond between Book, Trottie and a small number of individuals invited into their inner circle. Jamie Lang, Variety, 25 Feb. 2025 Ramla’s story is an inspiring portrayal of a woman breaking through societal and cultural expectations to discover her voice and shape her own path. Sweta Kaushal, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 At the time, however, Nixon had never met Davis, who was then based in L.A. and was best known for her portrayal of Brooke Armstrong Campbell on Melrose Place. John Russell, People.com, 24 Feb. 2025 Additional notable credits include her portrayal of Pulitzer Prize-winner Isabel Wilkerson in Ava Duvernay’s Origin, If Beale Street Could Talk, The Birth of a Nation, Pimp, Miss Virginia and The Help. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 20 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Portrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portrayal. Accessed 3 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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