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 But on Change of Plans, the outfit's newest album — out now — frontman Isaac Gibson proudly proclaims that the humble group of musicians from Castlewood finally sounds most like themselves. —

Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026 In 1948, the independent state of Israel was proclaimed in Tel Aviv by David Ben-Gurion, who became its first prime minister. —

Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026 Pratt wants to add more police officers, rein in the power of public employee unions and spend less on brand-new housing for the homeless, the ad proclaims. —

Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026 Again, the show is insistent on proclaiming Val’s greatness without putting in the work. —

Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for proclaim

Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim

Verb

The pair announced their engagement in August 2025, and their wedding date was revealed in April.

— Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
The company behind several iconic series announced its next remake in the Resident Evil franchise.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026