proclaim

Definition of proclaimnext

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 The interior proclaims the beauty of efficient bureaucracy. Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026 As Orbán over the past decade took a forceful stance against migrants and refugees and proclaimed himself Europe's champion of illiberal Christian democracy, Budapest became a magnet for American conservatives. Catherine Belton The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 6 Apr. 2026 Two weeks later, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned from exile in Iraq and led a drive to abolish the monarchy and proclaim an Islamic government. Jeffrey Fields, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2026 Today, there's writing on the wall outside, proclaiming the miracle of Ho Khanh. Nicole Young, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim
Verb
  • The group announced the new mutual aid market on social media, citing community concerns over rising costs as the motivation behind the move.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The project is a longstanding proposal that Beijing has previously announced.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In the mid-seventies, Vince drove McMahon, who was pregnant with Stephanie, to a courthouse to declare bankruptcy.
    Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • On Friday, Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz fully open to commercial traffic, sending crude prices tumbling more than 10%.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Last month, state-run newspaper Economic Daily published a commentary calling for an end to the food delivery price wars.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
  • 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.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Proclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/proclaim. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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