1
as in word
a word or phrase that must be spoken by a person in order to pass a guard
the watchword is changed every day
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in slogan
an attention-getting word or phrase used to publicize something (as a campaign or product)
their latest watchword turns up in every ad from that company
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of watchword
Now that it’s done, with relatively few on the left genuinely shocked by Trump’s win, accommodation and acceptance are the new watchwords.
—
Ross Barkan, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Growth is the watchword as the filmmakers also weave in stories (well, folktales) from Norwegian traditions concerned with the Norns, a trio of Norse deities believed to be responsible for the shaping of human destiny and tasked with caring for Yggdrasill, the tree at the center of everything.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025
Opulent is the watchword here, as the skyscrapers will host just one large and light-filled residence each per floor.
—Adam Williams, New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2025
Heritage and good-quality produce are also the watchwords of Locanda Contadina, a small bistro that debuted in September in the heart of the centro storico.
—Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for watchword
Ross Barkan, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Growth is the watchword as the filmmakers also weave in stories (well, folktales) from Norwegian traditions concerned with the Norns, a trio of Norse deities believed to be responsible for the shaping of human destiny and tasked with caring for Yggdrasill, the tree at the center of everything.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025
Opulent is the watchword here, as the skyscrapers will host just one large and light-filled residence each per floor.
—Adam Williams, New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2025
Heritage and good-quality produce are also the watchwords of Locanda Contadina, a small bistro that debuted in September in the heart of the centro storico.
—Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for watchword
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchword
Noun
-
The use of the words 'genocide' or 'acts of genocide' to describe what is happening in Gaza is no longer debated by international legal experts or human rights organizations.—
Neda Ulaby,
NPR,
29 May 2025
-
Jim didn’t mince his words when defending Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol’s ability to claw the coffee giant out of declining sales, operational issues and a negative perception of the brand.—
Paulina Likos,
CNBC,
29 May 2025
Noun
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Some held up signs, others wore T-shirts with profane slogans.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
17 May 2025
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Some liberal critics on social media say that Republicans did not seem to take issue when the same slogan — or even more violent rhetoric — was targeted at a Democratic president.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
The Stars gave themselves a chance to do something special, and reaching three straight Western Conference Finals is an accomplishment, but this is a team whose mark will not feature a single banner.—
Mac Engel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 May 2025
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Stiller will produce with and John Lesher via their Red Hour Films banner.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchword. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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