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 President Donald Trump proclaimed in a post on his social media site Monday, May 5, that there will be two new holidays, each commemorating the end of WWI and WWII. Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 9 May 2025 American Catholics proclaimed pride across social media, while top U.S. leaders issued statements congratulating the church’s newest historic leader. Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 8 May 2025 Last month, the Kremlin proclaimed a 30-hour truce over Easter, which Kyiv cautiously agreed to. Andrew Torgan, CNN Money, 4 May 2025 Dolly’s announcement proclaimed on the show’s website. Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for proclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim
Verb
  • Crypto deals raise questions However, Netanyahu said Israel had agreed only to allow safe passage for Alexander, and its forces would continue recently announced preparations to step up operations there.
    James Mackenzie, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • Those first appearances will be in early 2023; at this writing, router maker TP-Link had just announced a slate of pricey Archer router and Deco mesh Wi-Fi 7 gear to debut in Q1.
    Iyaz Akhtar, PC Magazine, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • During his first term in office, Trump often used Potemkin announcements to declare victory in the hopes no one would follow up on the tangibles.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 12 May 2025
  • In Texas, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) declared Ozone Action Days for the San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Galveston, Dallas, and Fort Worth areas.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • The announcement of his May 7 death, published on Legacy.com by his family May 13, did not cite a cause.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Jessi, 32, and her castmate Layla Taylor also opened up about the split in an article Page Six published May 16.
    Victoria Edel, People.com, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Proclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclaim. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on proclaim

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