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
  • The opening comes more than three years after Toyota announced plans to invest nearly $50 million in the facility at its Michigan research and development operations.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
  • This week, City Hall and the DCLA are announcing an increase in funding for direct-support grants to artists, administered by each borough’s local arts council.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Attempting to de-escalate the scare, Rospotrebnadzor declared the regional sanitary situation stable after secondary testing showed no traces of dangerous pathogens linked to Shipilova’s research.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Judge Sullivan declares a mistrial due to the deadlocked jury, ending the trial without a clear resolution.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The grim findings come from a survey of 524 disability care providers published Wednesday by ANCOR, an advocacy group for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
    — STAT, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026
  • An art book highlighting her career, fashion and artistic collaborations, Ongoing was published under Rizzoli International Publications.
    — Mariel Turner, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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