portray
verb (used with object)
to make a likeness of by drawing, painting, carving, or the like.
had portrayed
-
past perfectof portray.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
During Monday’s hearing, he complained that mainstream news media, including the Washington Post, had portrayed him and his allies “like we have a tinfoil hat on our heads.”
From Slate ● Dec. 19, 2025
Previously, British actor Cavill had portrayed the title character, a monster hunter with supernatural abilities known as the White Wolf.
From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2025
He had portrayed Daniel Radcliffe’s title character and others, including Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Draco Malfoy and Neville Longbottom, since the franchise’s first installment.
From New York Times ● Nov. 15, 2023
The 60-year-old actor had portrayed Charon in the “Wick” series since its inception and makes his final appearance as the loyal Manhattan concierge in “Chapter 4.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 26, 2023
During the war, the Adventures of Superman program had portrayed its hero fighting Hitler and Mussolini and Hirohito.
From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt
