declare

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb declare differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of declare are announce, proclaim, and promulgate. While all these words mean "to make known publicly," declare implies explicitness and usually formality in making known.

the referee declared the contest a draw

Where would announce be a reasonable alternative to declare?

The meanings of announce and declare largely overlap; however, announce implies the declaration of something for the first time.

announced their engagement at a party

When might proclaim be a better fit than declare?

While the synonyms proclaim and declare are close in meaning, proclaim implies declaring clearly, forcefully, and authoritatively.

the president proclaimed a national day of mourning

In what contexts can promulgate take the place of declare?

The words promulgate and declare can be used in similar contexts, but promulgate implies the proclaiming of a dogma, doctrine, or law.

promulgated an edict of religious toleration

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 declare Reeves’ titular character seemingly died in the fourth film; however, the Lionsgate release declared that Wick lives and will return for the fifth installment. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 June 2025 The spacecraft also went dark during that try, which was eventually declared a failure. Mike Wall, Space.com, 5 June 2025 Hit with what’s been declared one of the deadliest U.S. storms of the 21st century, multiple businesses and restaurants in the area were forced to close their doors, while others had to scale back operations just to stay afloat. Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 5 June 2025 What Will Wicked: For Good Be About? Wicked: For Good picks up after the events of Part One, where Elphaba and Glinda discover that the Wizard is a fraud, and Elphaba is declared the new enemy of Oz. Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for declare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for declare
Verb
  • The new parents announced their son’s arrival a few days after his birth, sharing a joint Instagram post with a photo of the newborn sleeping next to a wooden sign.
    Jacqueline Weiss, People.com, 6 June 2025
  • His final match as a professional footballer — Morton announced his sacking on September 19 — ended in a 1-0 defeat.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insisted that Ukraine is doing everything possible to ensure the release of prisoners and the return of the soldiers’ bodies.
    Kosta Gak, CNN Money, 8 June 2025
  • Johnson insisted that Musk has bad information, and the speaker disputed the forecasts of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office that scores budget legislation.
    Bill Barrow, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • The Cubs assert the team holds an undisputed property right to Cubs games and there is no public right to watch a Cubs game in person or by broadcast.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 May 2025
  • The plaintiffs also assert that Mr. Trump did not have the authority to stop federal funding for NPR and PBS, and his order should be invalidated as unconstitutional.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Zooming in reveals a poor level of detail, while the colors look unnaturally bright.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 5 June 2025
  • Diary entries written by Luigi Mangione reveal the now 27-year-old’s detailed thinking before the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year, a new court filing shows.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Prior to the match, John McEnroe proclaimed that either would be the favorite against 14-time Roland Garros winner Rafael Nadal, who was honored before the tournament with his footprint on Philippe-Chatrier.
    Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Jordan Vidovic proclaimed that the RedHawks are the best team in Illinois to ever play the sport.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • The irony, the heartbreak, is that Sarah and Yaron devoted themselves to preventing the very kind of violence that claimed their lives.
    Margaux Chetrit, Sun Sentinel, 29 May 2025
  • But unscrupulous preparers convince taxpayers to claim the credit to receive a large refund.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • At the Tomb, the president also professed his excitement for the number of symbolic events occurring in the years ahead.
    Davis Winkie, USA Today, 27 May 2025
  • Villaraigosa, a former labor leader who’s gotten crossways with teacher unions among other party mainstays, professed not to care.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • The 2023 Chianti Classico displayed beautiful freshness and elegance, offering pure fruit and immediate charm. Querciabella (Greve, Radda, Gaiole) – With organic and biodynamic vineyards across multiple UGAs, Querciabella champions purity and transparency in every bottle.
    Jessica Dupuy, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • They were punished with another partial stadium closure in April after displaying banners insulting ex-PSG player Rabiot during a game against Marseille.
    Tomás Hill López-Menchero, New York Times, 31 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Declare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/declare. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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