How to Use portrayal in a Sentence

portrayal

noun
Definition of portrayalnext
Synonyms for portrayalnext
  • The portrayal of witchcraft and the Sanderson sisters in the new film had to change to meet the times.
    — The Salt Lake Tribune, 7 Oct. 2022
  • His portrayal remains one of the TV world’s gifts to fans of slick lawmen.
    — Matthew Gilbert, BostonGlobe.com, 18 July 2023
  • Lee’s portrayal could be read as that of a cunning Jezebel, a woman out to destroy the man who loves her.
    — Richard Newby, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Oct. 2024
  • Those parts of who he was come out on the screen through the charisma and energy of Domingo’s portrayal.
    — Shelli Nicole, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2023
  • Phoenix earned the best actor Oscar for his portrayal of Arthur Fleck, aka the Joker.
    — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 3 Apr. 2024
  • In this version’s portrayal, Red Hood is much angrier and holds a grudge against the hero.
    — George Yang, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2022
  • But like the rest of the film, the portrayal of events in Natalie’s pregnancy timeline seem too glossy to be true.
    — Sam Reed, Glamour, 18 Aug. 2022
  • Hugh Grant is getting big buzz for his portrayal of the sinister man with a plan.
    — Chris Foran, Journal Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Sam’s portrayal of the role in the trailer is restrained and suits the situation at hand.
    — Sweta Kaushal, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
  • Singh said the portrayal of Rhyah was biting, but nuanced.
    — Sakshi Venkatraman, NBC News, 24 Aug. 2022
  • Fonda would go on to win her first Academy Award for her portrayal in the film.
    — Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2024
  • Roundtree was best known for his portrayal of private eye John Shaft in the 1971 film Shaft, leading him to be known as the first Black action hero.
    — Conor Murray, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023
  • Ahead, see how similar the cast's portrayal is to the real people the series is based on.
    — Samantha Olson, Seventeen, 19 Sep. 2022
  • The movie ‘Flamin’ Hot’ packages its rags-to-riches tale with an upbeat portrayal of Frito-Lay that feels like a very long ad.
    — Sylvio Martins, Bon Appétit, 12 June 2023
  • This approach allows for a well-rounded portrayal of the sport.
    — Melissa Noel, Essence, 25 Oct. 2023
  • For the video, Mod felt a provocative, dramatic portrayal would serve the song’s message best.
    — Liza Lentini, SPIN, 21 Sep. 2022
  • One part of the show’s genius has always been its portrayal of the superwealthy Roys as both deeply human and alien.
    — James Poniewozik, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2023
  • What was most important to you with your approach to this portrayal?
    — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2024
  • Contrary to the portrayal of Oregon as the lynchpin, Washington was the key block in the Jenga tower.
    — Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2024
  • Schultz brought a blankness to his portrayal of a man who famously had charisma to spare.
    — Andy Kifer, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 July 2023
  • That aids Lillis in her portrayal of Emily, who, at age 25, is five years older than the actress.
    — Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 28 Sep. 2022
  • The moving portrayal, at times, scuffs against the glossiness of Lee. Kuras’ film is competent, polished and awards-ready.
    — Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Sep. 2023
  • Everybody in the fandom has had good things and bad things to say about the original Game of Thrones' portrayal of women.
    — Nick Romano, EW.com, 10 Oct. 2022
  • Known for its portrayal of life in East Los Angeles, the movie has achieved cult classic status.
    — Alex Zaragoza, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2024
  • What really comes to mind is that it’s been a defining aspect of my life to have contributed to the portrayal.
    — Emily Longeretta, Variety, 23 Sep. 2024
  • Young-White then released a statement of his own, attempting to clear the air regarding the portrayal of his claims in the media.
    — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 7 Aug. 2024
  • There are jugs that aim for a realistic portrayal of a figure and jugs of Prince Charles that look like Dumbo.
    — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 27 Sep. 2024
  • To be clear: The Big Bad Wolf’s portrayal isn’t necessarily a bad choice, but one parents should be aware of.
    — Kristen Page-Kirby, Washington Post, 19 Dec. 2022
  • He is nominated in the best actor in a drama category for his portrayal of a young Donald Trump in the film.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Strong was nominated for best performance by a male actor in a supporting role for his portrayal of Roy Cohn in The Apprentice.
    — Catherine Santino, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'portrayal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Last Updated: