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 What was most important to you with your approach to this portrayal? Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2024 These photographers challenge traditional notions of the Black aesthetic by presenting multifaceted and nuanced portrayals of Black identity and experience with work that is just as multifaceted and nuanced. Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2024 Her portrayal of Babette in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ demonstrated her ability to bring a vibrant energy and comedic flair to the stage, captivating audiences with her performance. Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024 The video showed Palmer, 30, impersonating Bassett's portrayal of Katherine Jackson in the 1992 miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream. Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2024 Ancient Greece Unlike its portrayal in the recent Indiana Jones movie, the Antikythera mechanism discovered in a shipwreck was designed in part to predict lunar and solar eclipses and dates more than two millennia ago. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 11 Mar. 2024 However, Brando was also given the Razzie for Worst Supporting Actor in 1996 for his portrayal of the title character in an adaptation of The Island of Dr. Moreau. 10 of 26 Brian Helgeland Brian Helgeland followed in the footsteps of Menken. Ew Staff, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2024 The Ugly Betty alum notched her first Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Gloria. Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 Photo : Jeff Kravitz Ryan Gosling in TAG Heuer Three-time Oscar nominated actor Ryan Gosling came to this year’s Academy Awards hopeful to finally notch a win for his portrayal of Ken in the popular film Barbie. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'portrayal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of portrayal was in 1843

Dictionary Entries Near portrayal

Cite this Entry

“Portrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portrayal. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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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