depiction

noun

de·​pic·​tion di-ˈpik-shÉ™n How to pronounce depiction (audio)
dē-
plural depictions
Synonyms of depictionnext
: a representation in words or images of someone or something
The book is fascinating in its depiction of the country's early history.
The first part of the book … is a depiction of the nearly lost world of a North American hunter-gatherer community.Timothy Egan
The late Vermont artist Stephen Huneck made works that are instantly recognizable—bright, accessible, folky depictions of dogs enjoying themselves.James Heflin
By comparison with the depiction of domesticity in such 1950s staples as The Donna Reed Show and Ozzie and Harriet, the portrait of family life on The Dick Van Dyke Show, the emblematic sitcom of the early 1960s, seemed staggering in its sheer smartness and casual elegance.Bruce Bawer

Examples of depiction in a Sentence

the set piece of the novel is a depiction of the battle that makes readers feel like they were there
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
So strong is the association between the fruit and coolness that its visual depiction seeks to enhance the fan’s function. Andrés Muedano, JSTOR Daily, 25 Mar. 2026 Especially as an advocate and an author yourself, how can other depictions of autism give more agency to their characters? Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2026 The White House has recently added statues of historical figures to its grounds, including depictions of Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin that appeared in the Rose Garden earlier this month. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026 In my experience, challenging conventions and presenting a more candid depiction of what troubles our fighting men and women — and their folks back home — brings you more credibility and appreciation than trying to spray perfume on the horrors of the battlefield. Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for depiction

Word History

First Known Use

1688, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of depiction was in 1688

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Depiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depiction. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on depiction

Nglish: Translation of depiction for Spanish Speakers

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