1
as in describes
to give a representation or account of in words
the author portrays her characters with lifelike vividness
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2
as in characterizes
to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group
traditionally, European authors portrayed the natives as wise and noble
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3
as in depicts
to present a picture of
a landscape that portrays the scenery near the town where the painter grew up
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4
as in plays
to present a portrayal or performance of
gained fame portraying Susan B. Anthony in a one-woman show
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Recent Examples of portrays
King So portrays May Tao, a local journalist with a healthy distrust of the Wausau Police who harbors big secrets of her own.
—
Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024
Little portrays Deputy Brent, Dana’s closest confidant on the force.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024
In vignettes throughout the movie, Patrice portrays her younger self amid an ensemble of child actors (more than 100; some with disabilities) who play people from Patrice’s past in scenes that capture how many times she was rebuffed (intentionally and not) by people and systems.
—Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 18 Dec. 2024
Grande portrays Glinda in both Wicked movies, the first of which premiered in November.
—Marina Watts, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024
Set for an international premiere in Berlin, the film portrays a 1974 conversation between photographer Peter Hujar and his friend Linda Rosenkrantz, set against the backdrop of the New York art scene of the time.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024
The actress portrays Bob Dylan’s girlfriend in James Mangold’s new biopic.
—Hannah Malach, WWD, 17 Dec. 2024
The actress, who portrays Bob Dylan’s girlfriend in James Mangold’s new biopic, walked the red carpet in a sleek Gucci gown with crystal embellishments.
—Hannah Malach, WWD, 11 Dec. 2024
In this film, Rebel Ridge actor Aaron Pierre portrays a young Mufasa, who strikes up a friendship and brotherly bond with the lion Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr), who later becomes Scar.
—Tommy McArdle, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024
Little portrays Deputy Brent, Dana’s closest confidant on the force.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024
In vignettes throughout the movie, Patrice portrays her younger self amid an ensemble of child actors (more than 100; some with disabilities) who play people from Patrice’s past in scenes that capture how many times she was rebuffed (intentionally and not) by people and systems.
—Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 18 Dec. 2024
Grande portrays Glinda in both Wicked movies, the first of which premiered in November.
—Marina Watts, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024
Set for an international premiere in Berlin, the film portrays a 1974 conversation between photographer Peter Hujar and his friend Linda Rosenkrantz, set against the backdrop of the New York art scene of the time.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024
The actress portrays Bob Dylan’s girlfriend in James Mangold’s new biopic.
—Hannah Malach, WWD, 17 Dec. 2024
The actress, who portrays Bob Dylan’s girlfriend in James Mangold’s new biopic, walked the red carpet in a sleek Gucci gown with crystal embellishments.
—Hannah Malach, WWD, 11 Dec. 2024
In this film, Rebel Ridge actor Aaron Pierre portrays a young Mufasa, who strikes up a friendship and brotherly bond with the lion Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr), who later becomes Scar.
—Tommy McArdle, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portrays
Verb
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This involves completing a form that describes the bag, collects your contact and delivery info, etc.—
Roger Dooley,
Forbes,
26 Dec. 2024
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The Police Department describes Rise as a unique program that provides an opportunity for participants to give back to the community through community service while embracing accountability and growth.—
Campbell Roper,
arkansasonline.com,
25 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The result is a balance between functionality and style, which also characterizes his work as a fashion designer.—
Iñaki Laguardia,
Architectural Digest,
24 Dec. 2024
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The guide characterizes Cariño as a Mexican and contemporary restaurant, where Chef Norman Fenton’s team offers a tasting menu of tacos with a modernist approach.—
Ahmed Ali Akbar,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Dec. 2024
Verb
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This depicts life in a Syrian village through a complex family drama.—
Jane Levere,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
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On the vaulted ceiling, Charles Le Brun painted an elaborate 30-scene fresco that depicts the first 18 years of Louis XIV's military and diplomatic victories.—
Morgan Goldberg,
Architectural Digest,
30 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Blue Ivy performs alongside her mom Beyoncé and Jay-Z's 12-year-old daughter Blue Ivy Carter was alongside her mom during the big halftime show.—
Caché McClay,
The Enquirer,
27 Dec. 2024
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First, there are those who lip-sync – like Kili Paul, a Tanzanian social media star who performs Bollywood and other movie hits against the backdrop of his rural community — a mix of greenery and low-slung buildings.—
Ari Daniel,
NPR,
27 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The purpose of this article is to offer readers a glimpse into how AI interprets the dynamic world of investing.—
Vinamrata Chaturvedi,
Quartz,
19 Dec. 2024
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From there, a program trained with machine learning almost instantaneously identifies and interprets the electrical signature.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
18 Dec. 2024
Verb
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This bezel has made an appearance in aluminum and ceramic in the intervening years, and still represents the cornerstone look that defines the collection.—
Blake Buettner,
Robb Report,
27 Dec. 2024
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However, the support from the travelling United fans who stayed behind after the final whistle to clap the players and coach represents the faith in his process.—
Elias Burke,
The Athletic,
27 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Portrays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portrays. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
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