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 In turn, prosecutors are repeating their arguments that the defendant is a threat to more than paper goods and profits, as his attorney proclaims. Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 There’s no shortage of people proclaiming that AI is the future. ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 The bipartisan measure honors Jackie and proclaims that Friday September 4, 2026 is California Wildlife Day to honor her memory and celebrate the Golden State’s biodiversity. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 2 Sep. 2026 Historians say the horns may have been blown to scare evil spirits, to proclaim victories, or as a way to encourage divine mercy. Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim
Verb
  • The companies have not announced a specific project, deployment capacity or commercial timeline.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2026
  • When the judges announce Jude as the winner, Bi, Anna, and Joseph don’t look surprised, and each gets a small hopeful comment at the end.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • As Sullivan declared the mistrial, another female juror closed her eyes, nodded slowly and bowed her head.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Eight years, 29 medications and 40 doctors later, his illness was declared treatment-resistant.
    Kelly Rogers Victor, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • By his count, roughly 60 scientific papers have been published on the physiology of racing drivers since 1967.
    Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • According to figures compiled by the Yangtze River Water Resources Commission and published by the Chinese government, approximately 142,000 people died, while more than 10 million were affected.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Proclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclaim. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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