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 State law says the governor shall proclaim which provision is paramount. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 Inside, actual witch Lilia (Patti LuPone) grasps his hand and proclaims that his lifeline is split in two, foretelling drama to come. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2024 On her Instagram story, Lopez — who previously proclaimed Harris as her pick for president — shared slides from Harris’ campaign following the backlash to Hinchcliffe’s set. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2024 Forsaken again in the League Championship Series were those wildcat baseball drillers, the Cleveland Guardians and the New York Mets, teams whose followers are prone to proclaiming that the season’s over when the season begins. Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for proclaim 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim
Verb
  • The two met at the same event several years ago before formally announcing their relationship in May 2023.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024
  • Polis’ office announced the project – but no price tag – on Friday.
    Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The virus’ spread prompted the World Health Organization in August to declare a public health emergency of international concern, particularly as the virus spread to several other neighboring countries in Africa.
    Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 17 Nov. 2024
  • Edgewell's board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per common share, payable on January 8, 2025, to shareholders of record as of December 3, 2024.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Fay found that those pages duplicated politically innocuous material that had already been published elsewhere.
    Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.
    Gael Langdon, arkansasonline.com, 21 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near proclaim

Cite this Entry

“Proclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclaim. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on proclaim

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