Definition of watchwordnext
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

Relevance
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of watchword There is a feeling that the American public has about their own finances, about their own wallet, about the idea of affordability, which, of course, has become the watchword. ABC News, 21 Dec. 2025 Uncertainty is the watchword, especially with a major Supreme Court ruling on tariffs on the horizon. Brian Blank, The Conversation, 29 Dec. 2025 In many ways, as winners, presenters, and performers echoed that sentiment and turned viewers’ attention to the future—and specifically to future generations—optimism became the watchword of the evening. Judy Berman, Time, 16 Mar. 2026 Although affordability has become a watchword for politicians who understand that rising prices are hurting American families, lawmakers seem to have forgotten that reducing federal deficits would help bring down prices. Martha Gimbel, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for watchword
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchword
Noun
  • When word spread that Swift attended Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley's 2023 wedding on the New Jersey shore, hundreds of fans and photographers descended on the quiet beach community.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Review a bill, then send a polite message that clarifies terms, because simple words protect value and invite respectful responses.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • The Samsung exhibition stand features the prominent ''A new era of mobile agentic AI'' slogan by the South Korean company Samsung Electronics.
    Jenny Lee, CNBC, 7 July 2026
  • Mourners gathered in Islamic Revolution Square for Khamenei's funeral procession chant slogans Monday.
    Marc Smith, NBC news, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • The banner was driven from KC to Team Algeria’s base-camp headquarters at the DoubleTree Hotel prior to the team’s departure for Vancouver, Canada.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
  • On July 1, two people were arrested after reaching the top of the iconic New York City building, displaying a banner and appearing to stage a proposal.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchword. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on watchword

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!