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 Netizens proclaimed their affection for the rattan man, claiming a combination of intrigue, longing, and confusion. — Kirbie Johnson, Allure, 23 Oct. 2026 Advertisement Thirdly, place names should not be used to proclaim cultural superiority, advance territorial ambitions, or assert exclusive national ownership over geographical spaces shared among different peoples. — Reuben Rose-Redwood, Time, 23 Oct. 2026 Assane proclaims his innocence, but everything points to his guilt. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026 Polls are again under scrutiny, with some rushing in to proclaim their demise. — Michael Dimock, Washington Post, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim
Verb
  • On Thursday, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, who led a radical overhaul of the department's Civil Rights Division, also announced her departure.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The company announced that limited production is scheduled to begin in 2027.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • After the first Taibaan film, Srinuan borrowed Marvel’s habit of announcing a slate, declaring a universe before any scripts existed to push himself to keep working.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Its enduring contribution to the state, the university itself often declares, is rooted in the quality of the education students receive.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The administration said the work could begin as soon as the approval and the Interior Department issued a final decision authorizing construction and the proper notification was published by the National Park Service.
    — MATTHEW DALY, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
  • After alerting the companies to the problems, cybersecurity firm Claroty published research on vulnerabilities in multiple major refrigeration controllers, including those made by both the American manufacturer Copeland and by Danfoss.
    — Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, 6 Nov. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Proclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclaim. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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