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

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 In the days since the firings, Idaho residents have rallied in Boise, McCall, Stanley and elsewhere to protest the cuts and proclaim support for federal employees. Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 20 Feb. 2025 Old heads proclaim that there’s no creativity in the game anymore. Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 20 Feb. 2025 Trump bestowed on himself the monarchical moniker on Wednesday after proclaiming victory over New York’s new car-traffic toll plan for Manhattan. Miranda Jeyaretnam, TIME, 20 Feb. 2025 World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the U.N. General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim
Verb
  • On Friday night, Andress’ posting of her new version of the anthem on social media — which had not been announced in advance — was starting to draw some favorable responses.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 1 Mar. 2025
  • In October 2024, the Democrat announced he and others, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, would be pushing to more than double the current allotment, bringing the cap up to $750 million a year.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In January, Hamden passed an ordinance declaring housing as a human right.
    Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The specific details of the agreement and plans for its execution remain scarce, and the deal faces several pitfalls before it can be declared a victory for the U.S. president.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 12:56 AM.
    Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2025
  • This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 6:15 AM.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Proclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclaim. Accessed 8 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on proclaim

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