portray
verb (used with object)
to make a likeness of by drawing, painting, carving, or the like.
has portrayed
-
present perfectof portray (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has portrayed the new strategy—dubbed “Operation Economic Outcast”—as an alternative to major combat operations.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 2026
The military has portrayed the soldiers as rogue elements who acted without orders from above.
From Barron's ● Jun. 9, 2026
Rhames, who has portrayed computer hacker Luther Stickell in all eight “Mission: Impossible” films, collapsed at his table while eating at a restaurant with his family on Wednesday, according to TMZ.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 30, 2026
But more often and more emphatically she has portrayed public schools as unsuccessful and unsafe — and has said she is determined to give parents other options.
From Salon ● Oct. 9, 2025
Giovanni Villani boasts that "it is our fellow-citizen Giotto who has portrayed most naturally every form and action."
From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 13, No. 76, February, 1864 by Various
