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The pro- in proclaim means "forward, out", so a proclamation is an "outward" statement intended for the public. We often think of proclamations as something issued by monarchs or dictators, but Lincoln was able to issue his Emancipation Proclamation because as president he had the power to free the slaves in certain areas. At a slightly lower level, a governor may proclaim a day in honor of the state's firemen, a movie critic may proclaim a director to be the best of all, or you may proclaim your New Year's resolutions to a crowd of friends.
Examples of proclaim in a Sentence
Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
In the days since news spread that the Sandcastle Man was no longer allowed on the Hotel Del premises, there has been no shortage of messages on social media from fans proclaiming their gratitude for his artistry.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
With two Oscars, two BAFTAs, two Golden Globes, the Venice Volci Cup, and even a Kid's Choice Award to her name, Stone isn't exactly in need of a typical actor's website that proclaims her greatness and announces her availability for more work.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Feb. 2026
Fortune was supposed to favor them, ex-Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison proclaimed after the 2025 draft lottery.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proclaim
Cite this Entry
“Proclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proclaim. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
proclaim
verb
Legal Definition
proclaim
transitive verb
