PORTRAY Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

portray

verb

pȯr-ˈtrā

Definition of portray

as in to describe

to give a representation or account of in words the author portrays her characters with lifelike vividness

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to characterize

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

as in to depict

to present a picture of a landscape that portrays the scenery near the town where the painter grew up

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to play

to present a portrayal or performance of gained fame portraying Susan B. Anthony in a one-woman show

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example 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 portray Most recently, Diana’s time in the royal family was portrayed on Netflix’s hit show The Crown, where Emma Corrin and Elizabeth Debicki told her story. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 23 Aug. 2026 Ex-judges, lawyers and others will portray the main characters from Hyde’s first trial, which ran from April 11 to May 16, 1910. — Dan Kelly august 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026 In the book, Auf der Maur portrays this as an unhappy development. — Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026 Chandler’s father Charles Bing, a drag performer portrayed by Kathleen Turner, also appears at the wedding. — Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for portray

Recent Examples of Synonyms for portray

Verb

Founded by Kemmu and Nihalani, the company has positioned itself around backing stories described as authentic and character-driven, aiming to balance creative ambition with commercial appeal.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
Other sailors described to CNN conditions unlike their previous deployments, largely because of the war, which stopped the ship from making stops at friendly ports.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of describe

Verb

Her looks are characterized by a natural, relaxed elegance, featuring flowing dresses, lightweight fabrics, and details reminiscent of 1970s fashion.

— Laura Tortora, Glamour, 22 Aug. 2026
Yields initially fell and stocks rallied on the disclosure, which Jim characterized as an effort to preserve the stock market rally .

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of characterize

Verb

The concept art is meant to capture the essence of the project and is not intended to depict final details and design of the bridge.

— Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 24 Aug. 2026
His personal story of triumph following tragedy was depicted in the 2014 film When the Game Stands Tall.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of depict

Verb

Attorneys with Howard Cooper, Todd & Weld, the law firm representing Patrick Clancy, are calling statements like that patently false and defamatory, warning of the real-life consequences making such claims can have.

— Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Los Angeles already surrendered significant draft capital and international bonus-pool money earlier this offseason as a penalty for signing closer Edwin Díaz, while the Tucker deal represented another enormous investment.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of represent

Verb

It was developed through the Midpoint Series Launch and is a Cold War thriller about the career of Latvian surgeon Viktors Kalnbērzs, who performed the Soviet Union’s first gender-affirming surgery in Riga in the early 1970s.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
Music is also a big component, with 10 bands on two stages performing each day.

— Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of perform

Verb

But not before the former cheerleader caught a pass from Tebow and immediately did a split, drawing cheers from her favorite quarterback.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
But the band fury is as climactic as anything that could be done continuing to have the full ensemble play… and Dudamel looked happy enough to put his baton down, turn around and just watch the group play for a few minutes.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of do

Browse Nearby Words

portraitures

portray

portrayal

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Portray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portray. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of portray

verb

Example Sentences

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