proclamation

noun

proc·​la·​ma·​tion ˌprä-klə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce proclamation (audio)
Synonyms of proclamation
1
: the action of proclaiming : the state of being proclaimed
2
: something proclaimed
specifically : an official formal public announcement

Examples of proclamation in a Sentence

the proclamation of martial law The President issued a proclamation which freed the slaves.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The trunk-rattling track oozes bold proclamations about bag chasing, love at first sight, and cruising past his adversaries. — Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2026 Covered in nautical tattoos and given to spiritual proclamations about the ocean’s generosity, Mitt is recognizable as a type. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026 Now, the city leaders plan to celebrate Prisco's Family Market Friday, with a party showcasing some of their vendors, handing out free hot dogs and issuing a special proclamation. — Sara MacHi, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 President Joe Biden issued a presidential proclamation in 2021 creating Indigenous Peoples Day, although it hasn’t been made a federal holiday. — Mackenzie Chase, The Washington Examiner, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proclamation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English proclamacion, from Anglo-French, from Latin proclamation-, proclamatio, from proclamare

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of proclamation was in the 14th century

Rhymes for proclamation

See All Rhymes for proclamation

Browse Nearby Words

proclaimer
proclamation
proclamation piece
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Proclamation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proclamation. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

proclamation

noun
proc·​la·​ma·​tion ˌpräk-lə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce proclamation (audio)
1
: the act of proclaiming
2
: something proclaimed

Legal Definition

proclamation

noun
proc·​la·​ma·​tion ˌprä-klə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce proclamation (audio)
1
: the act of proclaiming
2
: something proclaimed
specifically : an official formal public announcement (as a public notice, edict, or decree) compare declaration, executive order

More from Merriam-Webster on proclamation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for proclamation

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