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
-
The words weren’t written yet and that’s never happened before.—
Giana Levy,
Variety,
28 July 2025
-
Give me their backstory in 100 words… Gyokeres returns to England with a significantly higher profile after his first arrival.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
28 July 2025
Noun
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Vacuous slogans are chanted in the streets by young people who have intellectual certitude but little life experience.—
Chris Roemer,
Baltimore Sun,
31 July 2025
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Wearing T-shirts together was less about the slogan and more about conveying common purpose, trust in each other and selfless character—in short, solidarity, expressed using intangible skills.—
George Atallah,
Sportico.com,
31 July 2025
Noun
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The banner has set a limited theatrical run for November in Alamo Drafthouse locations, with a subsequent video on-demand and physical media release to come.—
J. Kim Murphy,
Variety,
29 July 2025
-
Lee, as the influential vice chairwoman of Korea’s largest entertainment conglomerate, played a key role in globalizing K-content, backing Oscar-winning hits and establishing CJ ENM as a dominant force in international film and television (the company also owns Hollywood banner Fifth Season).—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
29 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchword. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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