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 All major world religions proclaim that our joys and sufferings are inextricably linked to the experiences of others. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025 In the last episode of Season 2, Rhaenyra was proclaimed the true queen of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, and was headed for the mother of all bloody battles, for which fans of the HBO drama will have to wait until Season 3 to see. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 14 Apr. 2025 Three Pentagon officials fired in leak inquiry proclaim their innocence. Taylor Robinson, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 In 1950, Benton got Texas Gov. Allen Shivers to proclaim George Washington Carver Day. Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim
Verb
  • The Emmy-winning historical drama will officially return for Season 2, FX announced on Wednesday, with physical production scheduled to begin in January in Vancouver.
    Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Vanya, starring Olivier Award winner Andrew Scott playing all the play’s characters, has recouped its initial investment, producers announced today.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Trump declared members of crime gangs Tren de Aragua and MS-13 as foreign terrorist organizations and invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport them more swiftly.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • There's no sign of the outbreak slowing, and the nation's overall case count is on track to be the highest since the mid-1990s, before measles was declared eliminated in 2000.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Video published by the Poughkeepsie Fire Department shows a family, identified by ABC News as Lisa Davis and her two grandchildren, walking down Academy Street in the upstate New York town just after 1:30 p.m. ET on April 19.
    James Powel, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
    Filip Timotija, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Proclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclaim. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on proclaim

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