declare

Definition of declarenext
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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 Omar Mendoza was officially declared cancer-free at the Phoenix Children's Hospital on the morning of his high school graduation. Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026 Police said one driver was declared dead at the scene, while the other one was taken to a hospital for treatment. Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 31 May 2026 With the Democratic National Convention wrapped up, and Michael Dukakis declared the nominee, many advance operatives were on hiatus. Isaac Butler, New Yorker, 30 May 2026 Did Warren Buffett warn of Trump declaring martial law and 'canceling' democracy? Alex Crippen, CNBC, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for declare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for declare
Verb
  • The pair announced their engagement in August 2025, and their wedding date was revealed in April.
    Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
  • The company behind several iconic series announced its next remake in the Resident Evil franchise.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Over the years, Beckham doubled down on having no regrets over the sarong, insisting past fashion choices were entirely his own.
    Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
  • According to Kahn, the editorial was published with a disclaimer, added by ADA leadership, insisting that the ADA had nothing to do with developing or writing the article.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Borderless identity also introduces geopolitical complexity where nation-states increasingly assert digital sovereignty.
    Morey Haber, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
  • The language push comes amid signs of a shift in some other Gulf countries, where younger locals are no longer looking so much to the West for validation and are increasingly comfortable asserting their identity in their own language.
    Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • Police have officially concluded their investigation into the death of Hulk Hogan, issuing a 72-page report with additional details that reveal authorities found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026
  • The pair announced their engagement in August 2025, and their wedding date was revealed in April.
    Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Others proclaim that we should be darned happy that AI seems to work.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
  • This cage, the image proclaims, is America.
    Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • Attorneys say Gray intervened in fight Attorneys claim Gray was attempting to break up a fight when Tarver pulled out a gun and shot him.
    Erin Jones, CBS News, 6 June 2026
  • Inspired by a true story, this thriller centers around a fast food manager, Sandra (Ann Dowd), who receives a call from a man identifying himself as a police officer claiming to be investigating a potential theft by Becky (Dreama Walker), one of the restaurant’s employees.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Carolla then turned more serious, professing his lifelong love of the medium.
    City News Service, Daily News, 28 May 2026
  • That’s when Crowley professed his own love for the angel and asked him to leave Heaven and Hell behind, too.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Designed for fans and collectors, this innovative accessory folds completely flat to display a character-specific Bounty Hunter ID.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 2 June 2026
  • Fusing magnetic spontaneity and attention to detail, Y’all Won displays the consistency at the center of Veeze’s output, even when his hand is forced.
    Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Declare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/declare. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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