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 group was emotional as council members read out a proclamation honoring Parady. — Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2026 Her proclamation of optimism comes on the heels of her having been released in December from a brutal Belarusian prison for supporting an opposition candidate running against the country’s authoritarian leader. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026 Kentucky's law requires the governor to issue a proclamation calling the election, but legal experts told CNBC the statute does not set a firm deadline for when that proclamation must be issued. — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 The first would be a special session, which can be convened by Pritzker or a joint proclamation by the presiding officers of both chambers of the General Assembly. — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 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 11 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of proclamation for Spanish Speakers

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