1
as in describing
to give a representation or account of in words
the author portrays her characters with lifelike vividness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in characterizing
to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group
traditionally, European authors portrayed the natives as wise and noble
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in depicting
to present a picture of
a landscape that portrays the scenery near the town where the painter grew up
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in playing
to present a portrayal or performance of
gained fame portraying Susan B. Anthony in a one-woman show
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of portraying
Which is not only satisfying for the people portraying them but also for the people watching them.
—
Valerie Monroe, Allure, 7 Jan. 2025
Sparks donned a black T-shirt with a leather jacket and had a serious expression on his face in the photo, an almost recreation of Fraser’s expression in the images portraying the play’s character Jerry.
—Latoya Gayle, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025
The parade featured participants dressed as historical and symbolic figures, including 17-year-old Life Sacco portraying Joan of Arc, symbolizing courage and hope.
—Shannon McDonagh, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
Grounding the film meant looking for nonprofessionals for roles beyond the experienced actors portraying her leads.
—Gregory Ellwood, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
Walton says that portraying Candide is a singular opportunity and especially with its challenges.
—Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025
Luther speaks to colorism and fatphobia making a great singer less of a priority for his record label throughout the ’70s, though, portraying a world prior to MTV in which image didn’t just affect how music got filed but also the artist’s pool of opportunities.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2025
Typically, the entire cast will take photos together and the stars portraying romantic partners will also pose for some shots.
—Brie Stimson, Fox News, 23 Dec. 2024
Loosely based on Tina Fey's experiences writing for SNL, 30 Rock has Fey portraying Liz Lemon, head writer at The Girlie Show, whose whole career is thrown into chaos when a dashing new executive demands major changes to the show.
—Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
Valerie Monroe, Allure, 7 Jan. 2025
Sparks donned a black T-shirt with a leather jacket and had a serious expression on his face in the photo, an almost recreation of Fraser’s expression in the images portraying the play’s character Jerry.
—Latoya Gayle, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025
The parade featured participants dressed as historical and symbolic figures, including 17-year-old Life Sacco portraying Joan of Arc, symbolizing courage and hope.
—Shannon McDonagh, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
Grounding the film meant looking for nonprofessionals for roles beyond the experienced actors portraying her leads.
—Gregory Ellwood, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
Walton says that portraying Candide is a singular opportunity and especially with its challenges.
—Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025
Luther speaks to colorism and fatphobia making a great singer less of a priority for his record label throughout the ’70s, though, portraying a world prior to MTV in which image didn’t just affect how music got filed but also the artist’s pool of opportunities.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2025
Typically, the entire cast will take photos together and the stars portraying romantic partners will also pose for some shots.
—Brie Stimson, Fox News, 23 Dec. 2024
Loosely based on Tina Fey's experiences writing for SNL, 30 Rock has Fey portraying Liz Lemon, head writer at The Girlie Show, whose whole career is thrown into chaos when a dashing new executive demands major changes to the show.
—Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portraying
Verb
-
Kovac does not hide behind a veil when describing his work.Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024
-
A couple of hours after the shooting, a man reportedly reacting to a text falsely describing an active shooter at Sky Harbor arrived at the airport with numerous firearms and was arrested after a brief altercation with Phoenix police, Reeson said.Michelle Cruz, The Arizona Republic, 25 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
With an elevated head and raised tail, the tiger has intricate cast patterns depicting its fur, and may have functioned as a drinking vessel or container.Jane Levere, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
-
The episode was also met with resistance in the United Kingdom, where it was banned due to fears that a scene depicting two boys breaking into the werewolf's house would inspire copycat crimes among young viewers.Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Further factions emerge from there, as people start playing the game within the Squid Game, forming pockets of friendships and alliances, real and fake.Ben Travers, IndieWire, 26 Dec. 2024
-
The World Junior tournament is always good for some surprises; a couple of unexpected players emerging as top scorers or playing well in big moments, or a traditional top nation getting upset in the medal round.Corey Pronman, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The Advent wreath is a circular garland of evergreen branches representing eternity.Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 25 Dec. 2024
-
Billings, a metric representing cardholder spending, was up by about 6% from a year ago.Trefis Team, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Who's performing at tonight's Times Square ball drop to ring in 2025?Amanda Cappelli, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2024
-
Joy Malone/Getty Images When are the Jonas Brothers performing on New Year's Eve?Alex Sundby, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Clearly defining your goals ensures your data strategy supports your broader business objectives.Chris O'Neill, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
-
For lovers of thoughtful accessories, two of Amberjack's most recent designs encapsulate their commitment to defining what dress-casual footwear can be.Darryn King, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
By interpreting human language and identifying common themes and sentiments, businesses can deeply understand sentiments and preferences, pain points and unmet needs to respond quickly and meaningfully to issues.Brad Anderson, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
-
How Reputation Metrics Are Measured There are several methods for tracking and interpreting reputation data, each offering unique insights into brand health.Adam Petrilli, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near portraying
Cite this Entry
“Portraying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portraying. Accessed 14 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share