Definition of proclaimnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb proclaim differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of proclaim are announce, declare, and promulgate. While all these words mean "to make known publicly," proclaim implies declaring clearly, forcefully, and authoritatively.

the president proclaimed a national day of mourning

When could announce be used to replace proclaim?

The words announce and proclaim are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, announce implies the declaration of something for the first time.

announced their engagement at a party

When might declare be a better fit than proclaim?

Although the words declare and proclaim have much in common, declare implies explicitness and usually formality in making known.

the referee declared the contest a draw

In what contexts can promulgate take the place of proclaim?

The words promulgate and proclaim 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 proclaim As Gu-cheon and Saeng-gang prepare for Gu-cheon’s trip to the mirror world, Saeng-gang hears a spirit proclaiming that Gu-cheon will die that night. Kayti Burt, Time, 17 July 2026 Lifelong Aurora resident Anna Scaggs stood inside Aurora City Hall Tuesday night holding a plaque proclaiming July as Disability Pride Month in Aurora. Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026 Screens proclaimed this a record-setting night for women’s sports. Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 16 July 2026 This 558-acre preserve was named after conservationist John Muir and proclaimed a national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. Kimberley Lovato, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for proclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim
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
  • At least 12 attacks have been recorded against health facilities and teams since the outbreak was declared in mid-May.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Rhaenyra’s men come later that night and demand Aegon and Tyland declare their fealty.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • American Fortress has filed a patent for post-quantum transaction signing, but a filing establishes priority, not proof; its technical paper has not been published, and the design has not been publicly audited.
    Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Another study, published in 2023, suggested the lack of sudden, major floodwaters funneling into Lake Cahuilla, the larger historical predecessor to the Salton Sea, may have something to do with it.
    Rong-Gong Lin II Los Angeles Times, Arkansas Online, 2 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Proclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclaim. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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