proclaim

[ proh-kleym, pruh- ]

verb (used with object)

1. to announce or declare in an official or formal manner:

   to proclaim war.

   Synonyms: advertise

2. to announce or declare in an open or ostentatious way:

   to proclaim one's opinions.

   Synonyms: promulgate

3. to indicate or make known publicly or openly.
4. to extol or praise publicly:

   Let them proclaim the Lord.

5. to declare (a territory, district, etc.) subject to particular legal restrictions.
6. to declare to be an outlaw, evildoer, or the like.
7. to denounce or prohibit publicly.

verb (used without object)

1. to make a proclamation.

proclaim

/ prəˈklæmətərɪ; -trɪ; ˌprɒkləˈmeɪʃən; prəˈkleɪm /

verb

1. may take a clause as object to announce publicly
2. may take a clause as object to show or indicate plainly
3. to praise or extol

Derived Forms

• proclamation, noun
• proclamatory, adjective
• proˈclaimer, noun

Other Words From

• pro·claimer noun
• repro·claim verb (used with object)
• self-pro·claimed adjective
• self-pro·claiming adjective
• unpro·claimed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of proclaim¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin prōclāmāre “to cry out”; equivalent to pro- ¹ + claim

Word History and Origins

Origin of proclaim¹

C14: from Latin prōclāmāre to shout aloud

Synonym Study

See announce.

Example Sentences

Moreover, polls suggest his anti-immigrant sentiment is broadly shared—how many suburban pols will want to proclaim their sanctuary city status this time around?

From Slate

Where I differ from you is that I’m happy to loudly and proudly proclaim that I am100% pro-Harris.

From Los Angeles Times

Sometime this week — one hopes — we will know which side can proclaim victory in 2024.

From Los Angeles Times

It fails to proclaim and claim credit for America’s economic dynamism and global preeminence, which have deepened under the Biden-Harris administration.

From Salon

It’s a way to proclaim that even though you’re strangers, you share something that binds you forever.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• affirm
• announce
• declare
• demonstrate
• indicate
• profess
• publish
• trumpet