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 Trend forecasters were proclaiming that Trump’s reelection represented a cultural shake-up in addition to a governmental one, replacing the stiff moralism of wokeness with cowboy rowdiness and chic nihilism. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2025 In multiple surveys, Richards has been proclaimed among the greatest guitar players of all time. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 5 Mar. 2025 Amid this strangulation, Californication, and dereliction, Governor Moore loudly proclaims that the solution is growth. John Teichert, Baltimore Sun, 3 Mar. 2025 Nothing proclaims the arrival of spring more than dancing tulips in the garden. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim
Verb
  • In 2015, Kobe Bryant announced his retirement in The Players’ Tribune.
    Doug Haller, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The festival also gives audience awards in all categories, though voting continues through Sat., March 15, and winners will be announced that week. See the complete list of winners below.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • When Lawrence declares the Cowboys as a team that isn’t going to win a Super Bowl in the next few years — Lawrence signed a three-year deal in Seattle — the core of the team is understandably going to take offense to that.
    Saad Yousuf, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The department relieved Proctor of duty on July 1, the very same day a mistrial was declared in the Read case.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This story was originally published March 16, 2025 at 7:35 PM.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2025
  • This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 7:40 AM.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Proclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclaim. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on proclaim

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