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 It’s often been said, or at least inferred, that the International Olympic Committee occasionally wishes to market itself as an entity dedicated to proclaiming and restoring peace. — Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 18 Sep. 2026 The city first proclaimed the day in 2021 to recognize the rapper's community service, music career and efforts to set a positive example for young people. — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 14 Sep. 2026 With no disrespect to Stafford, who has had a very good career, this is a bit like a former Linkin Park roadie proclaiming that if the band were to come out with another hit album, they’d be considered one of the five best. — Michael Silver, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026 Billboards and banners proclaimed a state or city’s love for Canada. — Rio Yamat, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim
Verb
  • ConnCAT had already announced that a member of the ConnCORP board, Malcolm Ellis, would serve as its interim director as the search for a permanent leader gets underway.
    — P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • For the interiors, the developer brought in Jenni Kayne, the California lifestyle designer whose brand has built a devoted following around the idea of beautiful things that don't announce themselves.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Houthis began attacking Saudi Arabian oil infrastructure and declared a naval blockade against the kingdom.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Legacy admissions hasn’t been declared unlawful under the tax code, and an admissions preference doesn’t prove a donation purchased admission.
    — Jayson Weingarten, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Reading the manifesto after it was published in the press, Ted’s brother and sister-in-law recognized his writing style.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The capstone pathway is based on a curriculum published by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and includes three tests in two years.
    — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Proclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclaim. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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