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proclaim

verb
pro·​claim | \ prō-ˈklām How to pronounce proclaim (audio) , prə-\
proclaimed; proclaiming; proclaims

Definition of proclaim

transitive verb

1a : to declare publicly, typically insistently, proudly, or defiantly and in either speech or writing : announce
b : to give outward indication of : show his manner proclaimed his genteel upbringing
2 : to declare or declare to be solemnly, officially, or formally proclaim an amnesty proclaim the country a republic
3 : to praise or glorify openly or publicly : extol proclaimed the rescue workers' efforts
Other Words from proclaim Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about proclaim

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Other Words from proclaim

proclaimer noun

Choose the Right Synonym for proclaim

declare, announce, proclaim, promulgate mean to make known publicly. declare implies explicitness and usually formality in making known. the referee declared the contest a draw announce implies the declaration of something for the first time. announced their engagement at a party proclaim implies declaring clearly, forcefully, and authoritatively. the president proclaimed a national day of mourning promulgate implies the proclaiming of a dogma, doctrine, or law. promulgated an edict of religious toleration

Did You Know?

The pro- in proclaim means "forward, out", so a proclamation is an "outward" statement intended for the public. We often think of proclamations as something issued by monarchs or dictators, but Lincoln was able to issue his Emancipation Proclamation because as president he had the power to free the slaves in certain areas. At a slightly lower level, a governor may proclaim a day in honor of the state's firemen, a movie critic may proclaim a director to be the best of all, or you may proclaim your New Year's resolutions to a crowd of friends.

Examples of proclaim in a Sentence

She proclaimed that she will run for governor. The President proclaimed a national day of mourning. He took command of the government and proclaimed himself emperor. The magazine proclaimed him to be the best player in baseball. He proclaimed his love for her in a poem. His behavior proclaimed his good upbringing.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Trump has proclaimed himself Israel’s closest ally and has worked to bolster Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. — David Wainer, Fortune, "Trump and Rouhani Have Little Incentive to Meet. Here’s Why," 27 Aug. 2019 The Democratic candidates seeking their party’s Presidential nomination have been vocally proclaiming their support for measures such as universal background checks, the assault-weapons ban, and federal funding for research on gun violence. — Michael Luo, The New Yorker, "The Mass Shootings in El Paso and Dayton Should Spur Democrats to Propose Big Ideas on Gun Violence," 4 Aug. 2019 Even relatively moderate Democratic candidates such as former vice president Joe Biden have proclaimed their distaste for the Saudis. — Mike Watson, National Review, "Why the Middle East Policies Favored by Sanders and Warren Would Be Counterproductive," 30 July 2019 The city’s ‘annual family reunion’ Gilroy has proclaimed itself the garlic capital of the world. — Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, "There was a shooting at family-friendly festivals on two of America’s coasts this weekend," 29 July 2019 Jalen Suggs Size: 6-5, 185 247Sports Composite national rank: 13 High school: Minnehaha Academy (Minnesota) AAU team: Team Sizzle (Under Armour) Suggs has proclaimed MU as one of his top schools, along with Gonzaga and Minnesota. — Ben Steele, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Marquette basketball recruiting: 2020 Big Board," 13 July 2019 The thing is, Celine has always proclaimed her enduring steamship standom to the world. — Marc Snetiker, EW.com, "Celine Dion wears Titanic necklace, makes waves," 3 July 2019 The city has also been proclaimed the roundabout capital of the U.S. — Natalia E. Contreras, Indianapolis Star, "'It's the Beverly Hills of the Midwest': Carmel exes flip homes in new reality TV show," 30 June 2019 More Essays Xi Jinping has proclaimed that China has both the intent and the capability to reshape the international order. — Elizabeth Economy, WSJ, "Xi Jinping’s Superpower Plans," 19 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'proclaim.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of proclaim

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for proclaim

Middle English proclamen, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French proclamer, from Latin proclamare, from pro- before + clamare to cry out — more at pro-, claim

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More Definitions for proclaim

proclaim

verb
How to pronounce proclaim (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of proclaim

: to say or state (something) in a public, official, or definite way : to declare or announce (something)
formal : to show (something) clearly

See the full definition for proclaim in the English Language Learners Dictionary

proclaim

verb
pro·​claim | \ prō-ˈklām How to pronounce proclaim (audio) \
proclaimed; proclaiming

Kids Definition of proclaim

: to announce publicly : declare The president proclaimed a holiday.

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