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 next

as in to announce

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 state of Tennessee has proclaimed that tomorrow, January 19, is Dolly Parton Day to celebrate the country legend’s 80th birthday. —

Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 18 Jan. 2026 In 1979, a madman named Howard Schnellenberger showed up, proclaiming that a program with a 14-29 record over the previous four years would win a national title within the next four years. —

Jason Kirk, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026 During the model’s introduction, the chief engineer shared that the SC fills an important space between the existing Dark Horse and the GTD, and, perhaps most importantly, proclaimed that the SC is specifically targeting European premium sports cars. —

Jerry Perez, The Drive, 15 Jan. 2026 Before surrendering, Busfield shared a video with TMZ proclaiming his innocence. —

Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proclaim

Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim

Verb

The increasingly popular computer keyboard brand NuPhy has announced the new NODE 100 LPmechanical keyboard.

— Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
The Grizzlies announced the severity of the injury Saturday and said the two-time All-Star would be re-evaluated in approximately three weeks.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 25 Jan. 2026