Definition of promulgatenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb promulgate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of promulgate are announce, declare, and proclaim. While all these words mean "to make known publicly," promulgate implies the proclaiming of a dogma, doctrine, or law.

promulgated an edict of religious toleration

When is it sensible to use announce instead of promulgate?

In some situations, the words announce and promulgate are roughly equivalent. However, announce implies the declaration of something for the first time.

announced their engagement at a party

In what contexts can declare take the place of promulgate?

Although the words declare and promulgate have much in common, declare implies explicitness and usually formality in making known.

the referee declared the contest a draw

When can proclaim be used instead of promulgate?

The meanings of proclaim and promulgate largely overlap; however, proclaim implies declaring clearly, forcefully, and authoritatively.

the president proclaimed a national day of mourning

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 promulgate China’s Ministry of Commerce promulgated the Rules on Counteracting Unjustified Extra-Territorial Application of Foreign Legislation on January 9, 2021. Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 4 May 2026 His government promulgated a new constitution after just nine days of debate in the National Assembly. Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026 The colonial government promulgated a land-survey ordinance that forced landowners to report the size and area of their land. Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Mar. 2026 But every rule was promulgated under the threat of litigation and the teeth of the regulation relied on a law that was designed with a completely different purpose in mind. Justin Worland, Time, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for promulgate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for promulgate
Verb
  • Tim Bakken, speaking to dozens of colleagues at a faculty meeting, argued that none of them should be forced to seek approval before publishing papers or giving speeches, as a policy unveiled that day would require.
    Hannah Natanson, Washington Post, 26 July 2026
  • In May, a juvenile court in Berlin convicted Ballout of preparing a serious act of violence endangering the state, as well as publishing Islamic State propaganda on his Instagram account and other charges, prosecutors said.
    Geir Moulson, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
Verb
  • In March, dozens of countries around the world announced a release of 400 million barrels of oil into the global market in order to keep a lid on prices.
    Christine Romans, NBC news, 25 July 2026
  • San Jose recorded 1 million total downtown visits during the six-week FIFA World Cup, officials announced Friday — a final count over 2 ½ times initial projections — driven by energetic watch parties and strong fan culture in the city.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • Carlson, who had just released a documentary called The End of Men, devoted hours of airtime to proclaiming Tate’s innocence; so did the right-wing podcaster Candace Owens.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
  • The authors aimed to save college sports by (restricting the transfer portal) and (hard-capping NIL) but also (kneecapping the Big Ten and SEC) and proclaiming (schools can’t change conferences).
    Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • Two people were declared dead at the scene and four others, including a 2-year-old boy, were transported to Harborview Medical Center, the fire department said in a statement.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • Gabriel Edwards was declared to have died July 1 after his helicopter ditched in the Arabian Sea.
    Chris Kenning, USA Today, 26 July 2026
Verb
  • Aboard may very well be advertising that price to attract attention and early reservations, planning to spike the base price upon official launch.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 July 2026
  • In some places, it may be advertised as a $4 Meal Deal, but prices tend to be higher at California franchises.
    Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 23 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Promulgate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/promulgate. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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