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
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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
The aesthetic watchword for this film meant that, in every respect, the creative team wanted to combine '60s period details with sci-fi imagination.
—
EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for watchword
EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for watchword
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchword
Noun
-
Embrace Personal Accountability Being credible and responsible means keeping your word and following through on your promises in a timely manner.—
Cheri Rainey,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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Describing Seabreeze Craft Chocolates’ limited edition Dubai Chocolate Sandwich Cookies in words is a humbling exercise.—
Roxana Popescu,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 July 2025
Noun
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Amid growing calls for transparency and climate responsibility, a few under-the-radar brands are stepping up with substance, not slogans and these were made in a random summer discovery.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
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Critics have accused the regime of prioritizing ideological loyalty over competence, allowing individuals who simply mouthed hard-line slogans to rise through the ranks while concealing their true allegiances.—
MOHAMMAD AYATOLLAHI TABAAR,
Foreign Affairs,
8 July 2025
Noun
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From protests in Barcelona to banners in Ibiza, Spanish locals are voicing their frustrations.—
Alex Ledsom,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
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And as Portugal players broke from their post-match huddle to applaud the travelling supporters, who in turn presented them with a large black banner bearing Jota’s name, its message felt all the more prescient for a nation whose football teams run through it like a main artery.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchword. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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