PROCLAIM Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

proclaim

verb

prō-ˈklām

Definition of proclaim

as in to announce

to make known openly or publicly loudly proclaimed her innocence, to widespread disbelief

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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 Screens proclaimed this a record-setting night for women’s sports. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 16 July 2026 This 558-acre preserve was named after conservationist John Muir and proclaimed a national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. — Kimberley Lovato, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 July 2026 Her Valley girl howl will stop you in your tracks, proclaiming friendship, revolution, and, yeah, lust. — Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026 While the Declaration of Independence proclaimed liberty, slavery remained legal in New York. — Tunisia Morrison, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for proclaim

Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim

Verb

In March, dozens of countries around the world announced a release of 400 million barrels of oil into the global market in order to keep a lid on prices.

— Christine Romans, NBC news, 25 July 2026
San Jose recorded 1 million total downtown visits during the six-week FIFA World Cup, officials announced Friday — a final count over 2 ½ times initial projections — driven by energetic watch parties and strong fan culture in the city.

— Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 25 July 2026

Definition of announce

Verb

Two people were declared dead at the scene and four others, including a 2-year-old boy, were transported to Harborview Medical Center, the fire department said in a statement.

— Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
Gabriel Edwards was declared to have died July 1 after his helicopter ditched in the Arabian Sea.

— Chris Kenning, USA Today, 26 July 2026

Definition of declare

Verb

Tim Bakken, speaking to dozens of colleagues at a faculty meeting, argued that none of them should be forced to seek approval before publishing papers or giving speeches, as a policy unveiled that day would require.

— Hannah Natanson, Washington Post, 26 July 2026
In May, a juvenile court in Berlin convicted Ballout of preparing a serious act of violence endangering the state, as well as publishing Islamic State propaganda on his Instagram account and other charges, prosecutors said.

— Geir Moulson, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026

Definition of publish

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“Proclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclaim. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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