Synonym Chooser

How does the verb promulgate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of promulgate are announce, declare, and proclaim. While all these words mean "to make known publicly," promulgate implies the proclaiming of a dogma, doctrine, or law.

promulgated an edict of religious toleration

When is it sensible to use announce instead of promulgate?

In some situations, the words announce and promulgate are roughly equivalent. However, announce implies the declaration of something for the first time.

announced their engagement at a party

In what contexts can declare take the place of promulgate?

Although the words declare and promulgate have much in common, declare implies explicitness and usually formality in making known.

the referee declared the contest a draw

When can proclaim be used instead of promulgate?

The meanings of proclaim and promulgate largely overlap; however, proclaim implies declaring clearly, forcefully, and authoritatively.

the president proclaimed a national day of mourning

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 promulgate The Biden Department of Education’s fact sheet—which was not a law or a regulation promulgated through agency rule-making—asserted colleges paying athletes for use of their NIL ought to count as athletic financial assistance within the meaning of Title IX. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 June 2025 This is the theory that Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan, promulgated. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 9 May 2025 Additionally, the ever-changing rules and backroom guidance promulgated by obscure international bureaucrats are of concern. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025 Federal law, as promulgated by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, currently provides for tax credits of as high as $180 per ton of CO2 recovered and sequestered underground. Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for promulgate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for promulgate
Verb
  • In fact, research published in Harvard Business Review shows that leaders who openly express uncertainty and reveal imperfections foster greater trust, loyalty, and emotional connection with their audiences and teams.
    Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • In an interview with People, published July 12, Katie Gaudreau and Joyce opened up about the special, yet emotional day that was filled with grief and love.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • That month also saw JD.com announce a first round of subsidies worth 10 billion yuan, which went towards a food delivery discount program.
    Dylan Butts,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 11 July 2025
  • That is why the strong language that Donald Trump has been using since announcing an end to the pause is of real value.
    The Editors, National Review, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • After the MacArthur Park action, Trump’s disciples proclaimed victory.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
  • That verdict comes from Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams, one of a few big names (with Dave Grohl and the band HAIM) who proclaim their fanship.
    Brett Milano, Boston Herald, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • Exceeding the authority The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled in May that Trump had exceeded his authority by declaring an emergency to impose tariffs without congressional approval.
    Mauricio Savarese, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
  • Just how confident is Vandy? Pavia last month called out Alabama on a national podcast, declaring the Commodores have the talent to beat the Tide again.
    Matt Hayes, The Tennessean, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Harmon’s lateral agility and strong hands were as advertised during the offseason, but that was just football in shorts.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 8 July 2025
  • Marilyn Manson made a short, virtual appearance at what was advertised as Ozzy Osbourne's final show with Black Sabbath.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Promulgate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/promulgate. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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