declare

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb declare differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of declare are announce, proclaim, and promulgate. While all these words mean "to make known publicly," declare implies explicitness and usually formality in making known.

the referee declared the contest a draw

Where would announce be a reasonable alternative to declare?

The meanings of announce and declare largely overlap; however, announce implies the declaration of something for the first time.

announced their engagement at a party

When might proclaim be a better fit than declare?

While the synonyms proclaim and declare are close in meaning, proclaim implies declaring clearly, forcefully, and authoritatively.

the president proclaimed a national day of mourning

In what contexts can promulgate take the place of declare?

The words promulgate and declare 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 declare California, the state hit worst by outbreaks in cattle, declared a state of emergency in December 2024 in response to the outbreaks. John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 Hager declared Johansson the winner of the debate after this revelation. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 23 Jan. 2025 Trump also declared that the federal government only recognizes two sexes − male and female. Ramon Padilla, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025 Trump also declared that the U.S. would exit the Paris Agreement, through which nations set carbon emissions reduction goals to limit global warming. Nidhi Sharma, NBC News, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for declare 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for declare
Verb
  • Additional performers will be announced in the coming days.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025
  • There were interlopers in the ensuing years, but none had more than supporting roles, until Chrysler announced a radical concept in 1989 at the North American International Auto Show.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • But their plans to quietly elope are upended when Min’s grandmother (Yun) flies in from Korea and insists on an all-out wedding extravaganza.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Social media users noted the similarities between the two men, with people insisting that Franco portray the 26-year-old University of Pennsylvania graduate in whatever future show or movie was produced about his alleged crime.
    Caroline Thayer, Fox News, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • However, students have consistently rejected direct talks with Vučić, asserting that he is not constitutionally authorized to engage with them.
    Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
  • In particular, this season shows Messer continuing to be at odds with Ali when the 15-year-old, who lives with Titin Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy, tries to assert more independence without mobility aids.
    Angela Andaloro, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • After his son burst into the room, Gordon turned to the boy and revealed the excuse for his violent outburst, Brandon said.
    Ellen Moynihan, New York Daily News, 25 Jan. 2025
  • The first round of Grammy performers has been revealed, including pop breakouts Sabrina Carpenter, Charli xcx and Chappell Roan, who are all nominated at the awards ceremony.
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Is that crippling ordinance in the best interests of the residents? Burr Ridge was the first municipality to be sent migrants from Chicago after Gov. JB Pritzker proclaimed Illinois a sanctuary state that included migrant welcoming — but with no plan to deal with them.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025
  • With the war over, President Harry Truman proclaimed that an underwater area of some 750,000 square miles—about 4.5 Californias—now belonged to America.
    Jack Truesdale, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In her decision on Wednesday, Judge Analisa Torres said that federal royalty rate rules clearly allowed Spotify to legally claim the lower rate.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Attorneys for Blanding, who weighs 489 pounds, filed the lawsuit, claiming the incident, which occurred earlier this month, violated Michigan's anti-discrimination laws, which include weight as a protected characteristic.
    Flynn Nicholls, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the implausible explanation of the invitation to a murderous terrorist cast a shadow upon the high ideals Trudeau so often professed.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 15 Jan. 2025
  • In a census last spring, 93 percent of the population professed itself Muslim and only 1.75 percent Roman Catholic.
    Fatjona Mejdini, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Much of the opposition comes from Democrats, but Republicans display some ambivalence as well.
    Amelia Thomson-Deveaux, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
  • But if Saturday’s game was his final one as Lions defensive coordinator, Glenn’s unit didn’t display their best on film.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 20 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near declare

Cite this Entry

“Declare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/declare. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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