proclaim

verb

prō-ˈklām How to pronounce proclaim (audio)
Definition of proclaimnext
as in to announce
to make known openly or publicly loudly proclaimed her innocence, to widespread disbelief

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 All major world religions proclaim that our joys and sufferings are inextricably linked to the experiences of others. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025 In the last episode of Season 2, Rhaenyra was proclaimed the true queen of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, and was headed for the mother of all bloody battles, for which fans of the HBO drama will have to wait until Season 3 to see. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 14 Apr. 2025 Three Pentagon officials fired in leak inquiry proclaim their innocence. —Taylor Robinson, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 In 1950, Benton got Texas Gov. Allen Shivers to proclaim George Washington Carver Day. —Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim
  1. announce
  2. declare
  3. publish
Verb
  • This month, the United Nations World Food Program announced that the Trump administration was terminating emergency food assistance for 14 fragile countries around the world.
    — Declan Walsh, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • One of North Crowley’s best defenders announced his next step.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of announce
Verb
  • In response, Bukele declared a state of exception, which is still in effect, suspending many of the country’s due process rights and commencing a wave of mass arrests.
    — Danielle Mackey, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025
  • More than two decades ago, measles was declared eliminated from the U.S., thanks in large part to a successful vaccination program.
    — Chantelle Lee, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of declare
Verb
  • This story was originally published April 9, 2025 at 8:48 PM.
    — Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 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
Definition of publish

Browse Nearby Words

procès-verbaux
proclaim
proclaimed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Proclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclaim. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on proclaim

Nglish: Translation of proclaim for Spanish Speakers

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