rep·re·sent
ˌre-pri-ˈzent 
represented; representing; represents
1
: to give a clear understanding or impression of : to describe or present clearly
a book which represents the character of early America
also
: to describe or present in a specified way or as having a specified quality or character
… should we continue to teach classic books that may be problematic, or eschew them in favor of works that more positively represent people of color? —
Tiara Jenkins
Tiara Jenkins … asking her to address the claim that she falsely represented herself as an architect … —Jodi S. Cohen and Stacy St. Clair
Jodi S. Cohen and Stacy St. Clair 2
: to serve as a sign or symbol of
the flag represents our country
3
: to portray or exhibit in art : depict
… would often draw colorful illustrations representing each calendar month …—Charles Owens
Charles Owens4
: to serve as the counterpart or image of : typify
a movie hero who represents the ideals of the culture
5
theater
a
: to produce on the stage
b
: to act the part or role of
6
a(1)
: to take the place of in some respect
He was represented by family members at the memorial service.
(2)
: to act in the place of or for usually by legal right
She represented the company in the negotiations.
(3)
: to manage the legal and business affairs of
athletes represented by top lawyers and agents
b
: to serve especially in a legislative body by delegated authority usually resulting from election
The Senator represents the state of Connecticut.
c
: to include (people, perspectives, etc.) from a given group, especially one that has historically been excluded or discriminated against (as due to race, gender, sexuality, or ability)
—often used in passive constructions
Women of all races are less represented in leadership roles, but women of color face double hurdles of sexism and racism.—Shelley Stewart III et al.
Shelley Stewart III et al.Taking point of view, experience, race and gender under consideration, the foundation strives to ensure that all voices are represented, said [Dawn] Padmore …—Parker Milner
Parker Milner
d
: to present oneself as and show pride in being a member of (a culture, race, etc., especially one that was historically excluded or discriminated against)
I admire that there are folks, especially in media, as well as film, that are representing their Blackness and embracing it …—Sunny Hostin, quoted at People (online)
Sunny Hostin, quoted at People (online)"Sharon is bisexual! So glad there is someone representing the LGBTQ community," one [unidentified] fan tweeted …—Zoe Delaney
Zoe DelaneyWhen you're singing the anthems, it's personal. I represent America. I represent Puerto Rico. I represent the culture, I represent where I was born …—Ana Garcia, quoted in Record-Journal (Meriden, Connecticut)
Ana Garcia, quoted in Record-Journal (Meriden, Connecticut)7
a
: to give one's impression and judgment of : state in a manner intended to affect action or judgment
b
: to point out in protest or remonstrance
8
: to serve as a specimen, example, or instance of
9
a
: to form an image or representation of in the mind
b(1)
: to apprehend (an object) by means of an idea
(2)
: to recall in memory
10
: to correspond to in essence : constitute
1
: to make representations against something : protest
2
slang
: to perform a task or duty admirably : serve as an outstanding example
representer
noun
Examples of represent in a Sentence
Verb (1)
He represented his company at the meeting.
She hired an agent to represent her in the contract negotiations.
Senator Smith represents the state of Connecticut.
The company is represented by a local law firm.
She represented the United States in figure skating at the Olympics.
The court's decision represents a victory for small businesses.
The new prices represent a substantial increase over last year's prices.
Recent Examples on the Web
JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
The innovation represents a step forward for circular economy practices in water treatment.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
Rather than dismiss them outright, Platt granted the plaintiffs additional time to amend and re-present the complaint.
—Christopher B. Summers, Baltimore Sun, 22 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for represent
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
The protagonist tacks between monikers, dissatisfied by what each represents.
—JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
The innovation represents a step forward for circular economy practices in water treatment.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
Prosecutors could now ask a magistrate judge at Bryant’s Wednesday hearing to find probable cause and re-present the case to another grand jury.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
Rather than dismiss them outright, Platt granted the plaintiffs additional time to amend and re-present the complaint.
—Christopher B. Summers, Baltimore Sun, 22 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for represent
Cite this Entry
“Represent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/represent. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
represent
verb
rep·re·sent
ˌrep-ri-ˈzent
1
: to serve as a sign or symbol of
the flag represents our country
2
: to present a picture, image, or likeness of : portray
this picture represents a scene at Queen Elizabeth's court
3
a
: to take the place of in some respect
b
: to act for or in the place of (as in a legislative body)
c
: to manage the legal and business affairs of
he represented one of the sport's top athletes
4
: to describe as having a certain character or quality
represented himself as being poor
5
: to serve as an example or instance of
representer
noun
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