promulgate

American  

[prom-uhl-geyt] / ˈprɒm əlˌgeɪt /

verb (used with object)

promulgated, promulgating

1. to make known by open declaration; publish; proclaim formally or put into operation (a law, decree of a court, etc.).

   Synonyms:

   declare, issue, issue, announce

2. to set forth or teach publicly (a creed, doctrine, etc.).

   Synonyms:

   advocate

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promulgate British  

/ ˈprɒməlˌɡeɪt /

verb

1. to put into effect (a law, decree, etc), esp by formal proclamation

2. to announce or declare officially

3. to make widespread

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Other Word Forms

• promulgation noun
• promulgator noun
• repromulgate verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of promulgate

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin prōmulgātus, past participle of prōmulgāre “to make known, promulgate”; promulge, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

“Today’s FTC can bring civil enforcement suits against private parties, promulgate binding rules, issue final orders in administrative adjudications, and investigate potential violations of the law.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

“We can do whatever we can in government to promulgate clear and concise and effective rules, but it’s industry that’s responsible for compliance and putting those rules into effect.”

From New York Times • Jul. 12, 2023

The Sisters have come a long way, but never strayed from their mission: to promulgate universal joy and expiate stigmatic guilt.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2023

A source close to Macron said the government was likely to quickly promulgate the bill in the official journal, possibly early next week, if it gets the Council's green light, to try to move on.

From Reuters • Apr. 14, 2023

He couldn’t easily promulgate it, though, because he had a tragic flaw: a severe speech impediment, perhaps a stutter.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Related Words

• declare
• notify
• promote
• publish