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 Cottonseed boosters proclaimed a transformation of waste into wealth. — Edward D. Melillo, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026 When Arisa proclaims herself a Faithful, Michael looks hilariously stunned, and Alan tells them to weep for the fall of innocence and the failure of justice. — Alice Burton, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026 The Greek columns on its facade, south of downtown on the corner of Holman and Austin Streets, proclaimed the stability— the unimpeachable correctness—of one of the city’s most enduring institutions. — Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026 Along with the statewide proclamation, the governor proclaimed emergencies in multiple counties that were hit hard by recent storms, including Santa Barbara County. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim
Verb
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the sanctions Friday, after the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to South African jurist Navi Pillay, a former judge at the ICC and other international courts.
    — MATTHEW LEE, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The Dream this month announced that the team has struck a multiyear contract to host all home games at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, beginning next season.
    — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • More than half a dozen houses along the coast were declared structurally unsafe.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Newport Beach also declared a local emergency yesterday to free up resources ahead of the storm’s landfall, after experiencing significant coastal flooding overnight.
    — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Their findings, published in Nature Physics, also revealed a sharp transition between chaotic and controlled quantum behavior.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The Middle East Monitor, which brands itself as supportive of the Palestinian cause, had published at least 21 stories under bylines OpenAI said were fake including Hoskins, Michael Harrison, Jenny Williams and Alice Johnson.
    — Miriam Waldvogel, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Proclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclaim. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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