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 Iran published a 14,390-word letter to Americans this week proclaiming the regime’s victory over the US, suggesting the two sides were no closer to resolving their seven-month war through diplomatic means. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 2026 Another article this year from Rolling Stone proclaimed that monoculture ended in 2016. — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 Cottonseed boosters proclaimed a transformation of waste into wealth. — Edward D. Melillo, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026 When Arisa proclaims herself a Faithful, Michael looks hilariously stunned, and Alan tells them to weep for the fall of innocence and the failure of justice. — Alice Burton, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proclaim

Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclaim

Verb

Trump blindsided Zelenskyy last weekend by announcing that Ukraine and Russia had agreed not to target each other's energy facilities.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
In recent weeks, legal trouble has brewed between her estate and nephew Brian Seaver, who was also her longtime head of security and the one who announced her passing to fans in a video on her social media.

— Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of announce

Verb

The office declared that the doctrine covers not only official advisers, but can also expand to cover outside associates consulted by the president in certain circumstances.

— Perry Stein, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2026
The Houthis, angry over the longstanding Saudi blockade on them, declared their own blockade on the kingdom.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of declare

Verb

The Rockefeller Foundation has just published a policy proposal – developed in partnership with leading experts – that details how a Growth and Investment Reset could work.

— Masood Ahmed, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Eventually, in 1914, Jo succeeded in publishing Vincent’s letters in an ambitious three-volume book, which today is considered one of the most revealing and important works of art history.

— Joan Martelli, Time, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of publish

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“Proclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclaim. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of proclaim

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