announce
verb (transitive)
UK/əˈnaʊns/US/əˈnaʊns/
To make a public declaration about something; to formally declare or reveal information.
Example Sentences
The company will announce its new product line next week.
She announced her engagement to her family during dinner.
The government announced a series of economic reforms to address inflation.
He took the stage to announce the winner of the competition.
They plan to announce the merger after finalizing the legal agreements.
The university announced the admission results yesterday.
During the press conference, the mayor announced new initiatives to improve public transportation.
She announced her retirement after a distinguished career in the industry.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To publicly declare or share information, often in a formal manner.“Announce” generally means to make information publicly known or official, whether addressing a small group, a large crowd, or an entire organization. In everyday settings, you might announce a personal milestone—like an engagement—or provide updates at a staff meeting. Formal announcements can come in the form of press releases, emails, or public statements, especially when organizations reveal product launches, policy changes, or significant events.When using “announce,” clarity matters: specify who is making the statement, what is being shared, and to whom. For example, “The CEO announced a new marketing strategy to employees” pinpoints the speaker (CEO), the content (a marketing strategy), and the audience (employees). The tone can shift based on context—announcements about celebratory news tend to be positive and upbeat, while serious updates might sound more grave or urgent.In written form, announcements often appear at the start of memos or letters, giving readers concise insight into the core information. They can be broadcast through various media—television, radio, social platforms, or live events. When you say “announce,” you typically imply an official note or final decision, rather than a casual mention. Even in less formal contexts, “announce” carries a hint of importance, suggesting that the message is noteworthy enough to highlight as a distinct piece of news.Ultimately, “announce” underscores intentional communication. It underscores that the details being shared have weight, whether they concern a family celebration, a corporate change, or a societal development. By choosing “announce” strategically, you show that what you’re about to say or write is formal, confirmed, and meant for broader acknowledgment.
Alternatives
For variations of “announce,” you might turn to “declare,” which adds formality or indicates boldness, as in “They declared their support for the policy.” “Proclaim” implies an even stronger, more public stance, often linked to official declarations by leaders. “Reveal” or “disclose” conveys the act of making something previously hidden become known, suitable if the information was confidential. Meanwhile, “broadcast” is used when distributing news across multiple channels—television, radio, or online.In casual contexts, synonyms like “share,” “tell,” or “let people know” might be more natural if you want to avoid an overly formal tone. If you’re describing private or interpersonal communications, something like “inform” can be apt, showing that the announcement is more direct and personal rather than a broad, official statement. Each alternative word shifts the sense of scale and formality, allowing you to tailor your language to the situation—grand proclamations, quick updates, or open disclosures.
Writing
In writing, “announce” appears in contexts ranging from journalistic articles to organizational memos. When drafting a formal statement, you could say, “We are pleased to announce our new partnership,” emphasizing an enthusiastic tone. If the situation is more urgent—like a recall notice or warning—you might be more direct: “The company announces the immediate recall of this product.”Structure your announcement so the main point is clear and upfront. Provide any essential background or instructions in subsequent sentences, and maintain a tone that matches your subject matter. A celebratory announcement (like a wedding) typically includes positive language—“We are thrilled to announce…”—while a serious update might read, “It is with regret that we announce…” to reflect the gravity. Adding supporting details—like a timeline, reasons for the change, or contact information—can help your audience act on the news.In a professional document, announcing major organizational shifts—like leadership changes or policy revisions—often involves thorough planning. You might coordinate timing, ensure consistent wording across different communication channels, and prepare key stakeholders to follow up on queries. This methodical approach ensures that your announcement doesn’t just convey information but also fosters clarity and trust with your audience.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, you could announce something in a smaller setting, like telling family members, “I just wanted to announce that I’m switching jobs next month.” This formality signals that your news is significant. Friends might also jokingly say, “I have an announcement to make,” before sharing trivial updates, showing how “announce” can be used playfully.If you or a friend is excited about a personal milestone—like buying a house, expecting a baby, or adopting a pet—using “announce” highlights the personal importance of the event. Social media platforms also facilitate casual announcements, from relationship status changes to event invitations. By framing your news as an “announcement,” you underscore that it’s noteworthy within your personal network—even if it’s not as formal as a corporate press release or public notice.
Etymology
“Announce” comes from the Latin “annuntiare,” formed from “ad-” (to) and “nuntiare” (to report), essentially meaning “to report to.” As it moved through Old French “anoncier” into Middle English, the word retained its core sense of giving notice or making a proclamation. Historically, town criers and heralds would “announce” royal decrees or significant events in the public square.In modern times, the term applies to a variety of contexts—governments, businesses, families, and even automated systems (like airport loudspeakers) “announce” developments. The root idea hasn’t changed: “announce” still implies delivering information in a formal or public manner, ensuring others are promptly made aware. This centuries-old usage underscores how important it is for communities to stay informed, whether the announcements concern politics, economy, or day-to-day life.