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Synonyms

depiction

American  
[dih-pik-shuhn] / dɪˈpɪk ʃən /

noun

  1. representation in image form, as in a painting or illustration.

    Picasso's painting Guernica is an accurate depiction of the horrors of war.

  2. representation or characterization in words.

    Mark Twain's letters are a clear depiction of his life and times.

  3. an act or instance of depicting.


Etymology

Origin of depiction

First recorded in 1625–35; from Latin dēpictiōn-, stem of dēpictiō “portrayal,” equivalent to dēpict(us), past participle of dēpingere “to portray” + -iō -ion ( def. )

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.

I don’t know if you would take that as an accurate depiction of your audience, but I’ll throw it out there.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

What emerges is a flawless depiction of human frailty and endurance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

That depiction resonated with many in the mountains and across rural America who were struggling, or whose families had once struggled.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

Unwin said she was "delighted" to come second place with her team's depiction of five athletes bursting through the Olympic Rings.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

That Holmes would use an alias seemed beyond doubt, so Geyer brought along his photographs, even a depiction of the children’s distinctive “flat-top” trunk.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson