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 When the Gold Cloaks march into the palace and proclaim their new loyalties, Rickard’s men defy him by laying down their swords, too. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026 On September 25, 1975, Roy Bates proclaimed Sealand’s constitution. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026 Mayor Johnson joined a celebration at Reggie's Rock Club on the South Side to officially proclaim June 25 as Horace Grant Day. — Cbs Chicago Team, CBS News, 26 June 2026 Bauer-Kahan and Assemblymember Diane Dixon, R-Newport Beach, are teaming up on a bill that would proclaim June 23, 2026, as Social Media Harms Victim Remembrance Day. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for proclaim

Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim

Verb

Iran also announced the complete closure of airspace over Tehran on Monday.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Famous friends of the bride and groom have been spotted across New York City headed to the couple's big day, reportedly in Madison Square Garden July 3, almost a year after the pop star and Super Bowl champion announced their romantic engagement.

— Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Definition of announce

Verb

In 2012, when Mark Walter and his partners bought the Dodgers, team president Stan Kasten declared mediocrity would no longer be acceptable.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
However, the polarizing trend has officially been declared *the* pants of summer 2026 thanks to celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Jennifer Lopez, Hailey Bieber, and Gwyneth Paltrow.

— Tessa Petak, InStyle, 6 July 2026

Definition of declare

Verb

In its latest half-year earnings, published May 21, EasyJet reported a pre-tax loss of £552 million for the six months ending March 31, despite a 12% jump in half-year revenues to £4 billion, warning of price rises and slower bookings.

— Hugh Leask, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Vogue Business assessed the 64 shows and presentations published on Vogue Runway and contacted each brand to verify the findings (brands were given 48 hours to respond).

— Amy Francombe, Vogue, 6 July 2026

Definition of publish

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“Proclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclaim. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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