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Synonyms

portrayal

American  
[pawr-trey-uhl, pohr-] / pɔrˈtreɪ əl, poʊr- /

noun

  1. the act of portraying.

  2. a portrait.

Other Word Forms

  • misportrayal noun
  • nonportrayal noun
  • preportrayal noun

Etymology

Origin of portrayal

First recorded in 1840–50; portray + -al 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Born in London in 1932, Taylor was one of the 20th Century's biggest movie stars, noted for her unique beauty and her portrayals of volatile and strong-willed characters.

From BBC

All of them find it a perfectly plausible portrayal.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I’m Actually Kinda Famous” sneers and taunts a portrayal of fame over synths, and “Cannibalism!” is wrapped in youthful desire and garage rock fuzz.

From Los Angeles Times

"So many people who work in tech were shaped by the portrayal of science, technology in those kind of shows."

From BBC

The actor expressed her satisfaction that the story of Sarah and Hagar is given a positive portrayal since that’s not always been the case.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.