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 That case, Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, basically ended the ability of agencies like the EPA to promulgate rules Congress has not specifically authorized. Jan Ellen Spiegel, Hartford Courant, 28 Mar. 2025 Other tariffs are being promulgated within the administration, including those on products like copper, lumber, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025 Political conservatives in the U.S. have promulgated conspiracy theories, unsupported by scientific evidence, that the shots and their relatively new technology are dangerous. Kff Health News, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2025 Both were targets of multiple executive orders promulgated over his first month. Varad Mehta, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for promulgate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for promulgate
Verb
  • Asked whether the White House would ask for alternative estimates, Vought again put the burden on CBO, repeating that congressional rules allow the office to publish more analysis.
    Bill Barrow, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
  • In a poll published Friday (June 6) on Billboard, music fans chose the superstar singer’s latest single as their favorite new release of the week.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • The new parents announced their son’s arrival a few days after his birth, sharing a joint Instagram post with a photo of the newborn sleeping next to a wooden sign.
    Jacqueline Weiss, People.com, 6 June 2025
  • His final match as a professional footballer — Morton announced his sacking on September 19 — ended in a 1-0 defeat.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Prior to the match, John McEnroe proclaimed that either would be the favorite against 14-time Roland Garros winner Rafael Nadal, who was honored before the tournament with his footprint on Philippe-Chatrier.
    Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Jordan Vidovic proclaimed that the RedHawks are the best team in Illinois to ever play the sport.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • Hit with what’s been declared one of the deadliest U.S. storms of the 21st century, multiple businesses and restaurants in the area were forced to close their doors, while others had to scale back operations just to stay afloat.
    Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 5 June 2025
  • With support from some lawmakers including Crenshaw, Trump has also declared Mexican cartels terrorist organizations -- and some have suggested Washington should send the U.S. military to kill cartel leaders on their own turf.
    Josh Meyer, USA Today, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Just a short drive from Reykjavik, the Golden Circle is advertised as an ideal route for first-time visitors or anyone short on time.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • Available drugs were advertised on these apps in stories that disappeared within 24 hours and in posts that were removed after a certain amount of time, according to the federal agency.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Promulgate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/promulgate. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

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