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 Her Valley girl howl will stop you in your tracks, proclaiming friendship, revolution, and, yeah, lust. Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026 While the Declaration of Independence proclaimed liberty, slavery remained legal in New York. Tunisia Morrison, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026 Major League Eating proclaimed him 2024 Rookie of the Year in the competitive eating world. Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 4 July 2026 Pinned to their random assortment of hats were scrawled, handmade signs proclaiming liberty or death. Sarah M.s. Pearsall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for proclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim
Verb
  • The final plan, announced Thursday, includes early voting sites at Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, Afton Ridge Library, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s Kannapolis campus, and Cabarrus County EMS Headquarters.
    Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
  • As of Friday evening, FIFA has not announced any closing news conference where media will be afforded opportunities to ask Infantino questions.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • For now, the stars of the series see Louis and Lestat’s reunion as definitive, a culmination of all the tumult required to get to a place where Louis can declare his love and Lestat can accept it.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 20 July 2026
  • Burnham’s comments drew a backlash from Jewish groups, but he's also been criticized by pro-Palestinian groups for not declaring Israel's bombardment of Gaza a genocide.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
Verb
  • In results published Monday, Europe’s largest airline said that profit in the three months to the end of June had tumbled 34% to €538 million from the same quarter in 2025.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Authorities carried out the evacuations from buildings on slopes and in low-lying areas within a kilometer radius of the disaster site, relocating over 1,100 people, Chongqing authorities said in a WeChat post published Sunday.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Proclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclaim. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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