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 Landau after all was the music critic who famously proclaimed Bruce the future rock and roll. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2025 Within the Oslo Accords framework, this was to take place under the leadership of members of the PLO, who returned from exile proclaiming that a Palestinian state would soon be established in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Literary Hub august 27, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2025 Swift and Kelce quietly started dating in August 2023 shortly after the Kansas City Chiefs star loudly proclaimed his interest on his New Heights podcast the month prior. Glamour, 26 Aug. 2025 In fact, once the money for a new concrete stadium started rolling in, Chancellor Ernest Lindley proclaimed May 10, 1921 as Stadium. Randy Mason august 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim
Verb
  • The announcement came on Saturday morning during the Italian Grand Prix weekend, over a year after his last contract extension was announced in June 2024.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Winners would be announced at fairs with ticket holders in the audience.
    Safiyah Riddle, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Close relatives of the federal official who has accused a Federal Reserve governor of improperly claiming primary residence on two properties have declared the same status on two homes in two different states, public records show.
    Marisa Taylor, Freep.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • He was declared dead at the scene, according to Capt.
    Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Sign up to receive our biggest stories as soon as they’re published.
    Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The Hollywood Reporter published their accounts, which included one woman’s claim that the actor waited for her outside of a restroom and forcefully pushed her against a wall and kissed her.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Proclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclaim. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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