proclaim

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

Examples 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 Rickey was unashamed of his brilliance, which meant he couldn’t be dissuaded from proclaiming it. Marcus Thompson Ii, The Athletic, 25 Dec. 2024 Every American of faith can now confidently proclaim that nativity scenes and other religious symbols can be freely displayed at courthouses, city halls, parks, and holiday festivals. Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 Big black letters on either side of the flatbed proclaimed ART IS … O’Grady, then 48, had decided to become an artist just six years before, after two marriages, an attempt at a novel, and stints as a translator and rock critic. Jillian Steinhauer, Vulture, 13 Dec. 2024 In one of his last official acts as president, Joe Biden proclaimed on Dec. 9 that a memorial should be built at the site of the former Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania. Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for proclaim 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim
Verb
  • Federal health officials have begun collecting samples of aged raw cow's milk cheese across the U.S. to test for bird flu, the Food and Drug Administration announced.
    Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 31 Dec. 2024
  • Criminal justice advocates praised the additional reforms the governor announced Monday, but demanded the officers and staff involved in the attack be held accountable as well.
    Barry Williams, New York Daily News, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The election, which was not expected to be called for days, was declared a Trump victory that night.
    George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
  • The second movie will pick up after the events of Part One, where Elphaba and Glinda uncover the Wizard's fraud and Elphaba is declared the new enemy of Oz.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • This article was originally published by Glamour Spain.
    Arancha Gamo, Glamour, 29 Dec. 2024
  • Musk's piece had over 300 comments several hours after it was published.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near proclaim

Cite this Entry

“Proclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclaim. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on proclaim

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