proclaim

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 Some automakers have made a point of proclaiming their allegiance to CarPlay, knowing that’s what buyers want. Patrick George, The Atlantic, 3 Nov. 2025 In retrospect, the MP-4 was brilliant, proof of the concept that carbon—not plastics, as proclaimed in The Graduate—was the key to the future. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2025 The insults came after Duffy made a series of public appearances to proclaim NASA's intention of reopening a contract with SpaceX for a moon lander for its upcoming Artemis III mission. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025 Nevertheless, in the due course of time Truman became as much a fixture to Finney County, Kansas, as are the roadside signs proclaiming its many virtues. Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim
Verb
  • Ryan Murphy has announced the main cast of the upcoming 13th season of American Horror Story, which will feature Ariana Grande making her debut on the show alongside series regulars such as Evan Peters and Emma Roberts.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The Jamaican government announced that a consortium of international organizations, including charities like Mercy Corps and Haiti Air Ambulance, with expertise in disaster relief and recovery, have arrived in the country and are working with the Jamaica Defense Force.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • It was formed in 2017 as a coalition of jihadist factions and immediately declared its allegiance to al Qaeda.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Dominik Szoboszlai had just squandered a golden chance by firing tamely into the arms of Emiliano Martinez after winning the ball back high up the field when the Kop parked their frustration and vocally declared their unwavering faith in the Dutchman.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Nov. 2025
  • Leading the charge are the UAE and Singapore — where roughly 60% of the working-age population uses AI on a monthly basis — followed by a series of European countries, according to a report from Microsoft published Thursday.
    Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Proclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclaim. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on proclaim

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