Synonym Chooser

How does the verb promulgate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of promulgate are announce, declare, and proclaim. While all these words mean "to make known publicly," promulgate implies the proclaiming of a dogma, doctrine, or law.

promulgated an edict of religious toleration

When is it sensible to use announce instead of promulgate?

In some situations, the words announce and promulgate are roughly equivalent. However, announce implies the declaration of something for the first time.

announced their engagement at a party

In what contexts can declare take the place of promulgate?

Although the words declare and promulgate have much in common, declare implies explicitness and usually formality in making known.

the referee declared the contest a draw

When can proclaim be used instead of promulgate?

The meanings of proclaim and promulgate largely overlap; however, proclaim implies declaring clearly, forcefully, and authoritatively.

the president proclaimed a national day of mourning

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 promulgate Both were targets of multiple executive orders promulgated over his first month. Varad Mehta, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025 Short seller Andrew Left, who was targeted by Biden's Securities and Exchange Commission, has jumped on the change of administration to file a formal petition with the agency, asking it to promulgate clear new rules that would effectively allow everything he's been charged with doing. Felix Salmon, Axios, 30 Jan. 2025 Agencies can, and do, promulgate regulations, which have the force of law. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 17 Jan. 2025 The Marquess of Queensberry rules for boxing, 12 dictum which (among other changes) separated fighters by weight class and mandated the use of padded gloves, were promulgated in 1867. Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for promulgate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for promulgate
Verb
  • Shortly after the news published, Deadline reported that the core group of Huvane, Baum, Halls and Gelb have formed a new firm called Apex Public Relations.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Source: National Interagency Fire Center This story was originally published April 9, 2025 at 9:34 AM.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Just last month, Krispy Kreme also announced another collection of limited-time treats as a part of its annual Chocomania celebrations.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Last week, President Trump, against the advice of almost every professional economist, announced substantial tariffs on almost every country in the world, thereby launching an economic war--a global trade war.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Intrigue in Read's case has only grown since the mistrial, as she's continued to share her story and proclaim her innocence.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Elk are being depleted by wolves, proclaim the Sportsmen’s Alliance, Safari Club International and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, all of which sued to block ESA protections.
    Ted Williams, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • What was a eulogy if not a last chance to declare thoughts and feelings that have been withheld?
    David Bezmozgis, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
  • On Saturday, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency, citing potentially record rainfall in areas unaccustomed to flooding.
    Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The amendment also allows the secretary of Indiana’s Family and Social Services office to advertise or market participation in the Medicaid program.
    Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Foreign currencies advertised in a window in Times Square, one of New York’s and the nation’s top tourist attractions, on March 28, 2025.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Promulgate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/promulgate. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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