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
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His words capture a moment of convergence between celebrity advocacy and scientific breakthrough that couldn’t be more timely.—
Greg Licholai MD,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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Though James was determined to silence Ruby, their passionate exchanges of words eventually ignited a certain spark.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
9 June 2025
Noun
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Guests are encouraged to bring their finest flags, their loudest slogans, and their deepest devotion — because nothing says freedom like a pageant of patriots posing beside an Abrams tank.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2025
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Proving that in their culture, solidarity is much more than a political slogan (or the name of its famous labor movement), generous Poles have since the beginning of the conflict opened their houses to Ukrainians.—
Alejandro Antonio Chafuen,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
Noun
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Almodóvar and his brother, Agustín Almodóvar, produce through their El Deseo banner in collaboration with Movistar Plus+.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
10 June 2025
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Ball is producing the movie with his producing partner Joe Hartwick Jr. under their Oddball Entertainment banner.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
9 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchword. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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