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 Mother Teresa was proclaimed a saint by Pope Francis during a canonization ceremony at the Vatican. USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 Two boys wove between the field’s blankets and camp chairs, demanding that people proclaim their love for America. Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 On Thursday, LeVota proclaimed his innocence and vowed to stay in office as the case proceeds. Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 10 Aug. 2026 While the policy remained fraught, by the mid-1980s, a federal appeals court proclaimed schools here as desegregated as was reasonably possible. Cameron Pugh, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim
Verb
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday announced a plan to sever the Islamic Republic's financial connections around the world.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The news comes after the movie theater announced its closure, leaving New Yorkers mourning at the loss.
    Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Officers began lifesaving aid until EMS arrived to take the victim to a hospital, where he was later declared deceased, police shared.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The land forces of Germany, France, and Britain had been facing one another since war was declared on September 1, 1939, until the standoff became something of a grim joke.
    David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • For businesses and marketers LinkedIn’s experiment is a valuable reminder to avoid publishing AI saturated content.
    Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The ⁠message was published on Khamenei’s Telegram account for Islamic Unity Week, which marks the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.
    Reuters, NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Proclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclaim. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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