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 In its heyday in the mid-1970s, Little Feat was declared the best rock band in America by both Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page and Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026 All that remains in the offing, however, as none of the major prospects have formally declared their candidacies. Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026 In the meantime, David has been declared dead, his little brother is now his big brother, and — perhaps weirdest of all — music videos are now a very big thing on MTV. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 1 Aug. 2026 By Saturday morning, the Spanish government had declared the situation under control, with the army mobilized in the region and the installation of a 500-meter floating barrier off its border with Morocco. Miguel MacIas, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for declare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for declare
Verb
  • Developers of The District at Ten Mile, a 220-acre commercial project near the Ten Mile Road and I-84 interchange in Meridian, have announced more than a dozen new businesses coming to the site.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 1 Aug. 2026
  • In 2024, Inpro announced the Mint Hill location at 10681 Clear Creek Commerce Drive, according to a statement from the company.
    Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Rignol has spent over a year in court insisting that Yale used the wrong tools, followed the wrong procedures, asked for the wrong file, and reached the wrong conclusions.
    Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026
  • Supporters insist their measure is nonpartisan, noting that Democratic lawmakers also tried to restrict citizen initiatives before Republicans gained control of the Capitol.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • Yes, some companies are asserting that automation has made many employees redundant, and are conducting layoffs accordingly.
    Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Under Democratic Chairman Tom Wheeler, the FCC asserted authority to change any aspect of the cap.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In honor of the upcoming movie, the All Roads Lead to Camp bus is touring across the country and bringing fans, new and old, into the world of Camp Rock, PEOPLE previously revealed exclusively.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Across Europe, other historic objects have also been revealed this summer due to the record-breaking heat and crippling droughts hitting the continent’s waterways.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The police department received state accreditation, which the mayor and police director have proclaimed demonstrates that officers have implemented modern policing practices.
    Brandon Goldner, CBS News, 30 July 2026
  • Last year, Thumbtack proclaimed 2025 as The Year of the Backyard – for the second year in a row.
    Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • In a post on X, Sánchez also claimed that Italy has allowed in twice the number of migrants as Spain since 2021, with Spain receiving 234,000 to Italy’s 478,000.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • By producing pure, highly concentrated molecules that mimic the skin’s natural functions, Lewisham claims her products are more consistent, precise and sustainable.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Bruce, 76, professed his love for Patti, 72, at the June 6 dedication of the new Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music on the campus of Monmouth University in Long Branch.
    Chris Jordan, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
  • By invoking it, witnesses are not acknowledging any criminal liability at all, and many people who profess their absolute innocence choose to exercise their right to remain silent.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • Renovated in 2005 at a cost of $8 million, the intimate 17-room hotel displays the trappings of Europe’s grandest hotels, starting with an impressive foyer with a Murano glass chandelier shaped like Constantin Brancusi’s infinity column.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • In this photo illustration, the logo of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is displayed on a smartphone in front of abstract background on computer screen.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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