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 Polls are again under scrutiny, with some rushing in to proclaim their demise. — Michael Dimock, Washington Post, 14 Oct. 2026 Fortune proclaimed it one of the fastest-growing companies in America. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026 Robert proclaims his son a prodigy, and John’s childhood is swept away from him. — Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 Jamal convened a press conference proclaiming to be able to communicate by phone with Somali pirates who were holding a Nigerian ship hostage. — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim
Verb
  • The Army has also not announced an operational deployment date.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Buck and Aikman have been the gold standard for announcing teams during their 25 years together, and breaking them up seems self-destructive.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • But the National Electoral Council, which is stacked with ruling-party loyalists, declared Maduro the winner.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • But the National Electoral Council, which is stacked with ruling party loyalists, declared Maduro the winner.
    — Regina Garcia Cano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In a study published this year with Redzo Mujcic of Warwick Business School, Graham followed 25,000 Australian adults for 14 years.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • An analysis published by NYU’s Journal of Intellectual Property & Entertainment Law discusses how younger consumers embrace dupe culture and proudly share affordable alternatives with friends and followers.
    — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Proclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclaim. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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