PROCLAIM Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

proclaim

verb

prō-ˈklām

Definition of proclaim next

as in to announce

to make known openly or publicly loudly proclaimed her innocence, to widespread disbelief

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 With two Oscars, two BAFTAs, two Golden Globes, the Venice Volci Cup, and even a Kid's Choice Award to her name, Stone isn't exactly in need of a typical actor's website that proclaims her greatness and announces her availability for more work. —

Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Feb. 2026 Fortune was supposed to favor them, ex-Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison proclaimed after the 2025 draft lottery. —

Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 6 Feb. 2026 During her three decades at the family business, Donatella Versace took this philosophy to its zenith, pairing outrageous designs with just the right celebrity, to proclaim that a plunging neckline, or a sparkly jumpsuit, was a statement of empowerment. —

Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026 The state proclaims how much cash the lottery is pouring into schools. —

CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proclaim

Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim

Verb

The bodies of all nine people who died in Tuesday’s avalanche in the Lake Tahoe area have been safely recovered from the slide area near Castle Peak in Nevada County, local authorities announced Saturday.

— Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 22 Feb. 2026
Two weeks later, Homan announced the federal law enforcement presence in Minnesota would be scaled back.

— Nick Woltman, Twin Cities, 22 Feb. 2026