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

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 Caution seems to be the watchword for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are holding down top spot in the Atlantic Division in his absence. Carol Schram, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 Maybe Volvo can move forward having both safety and premium design as watchwords for the marque without stepping on Polestar’s toes. Alex Goy, WIRED, 29 Nov. 2022 But the watchword is transparency and what users can reasonably be expected to know is taking place from information given. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2024 The two watchwords of your selection process should be rigorous and fast. Bruce Tulgan, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for watchword 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchword
Noun
  • Punches were thrown in a midwest board meeting after an activist targeted a politician with harsh words.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 29 Jan. 2025
  • When discussing crop tops, parents should avoid reinforcing that stigma with their words.
    Taylor Grothe, Parents, 29 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Listen to this article Waving Mexican flags and chanting slogans of support for immigrants, hundreds of people crowded onto National City and Vista streets Friday in protest of President Donald Trump’s plans to carry out mass deportations.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
  • The slogan could also be seen as a portent of Netflix’s continued dominance of the modern entertainment industry.
    Adam B. Vary, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Producers also include Angi Bones and Tony Strickland under the Tyler Perry Studios banner.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2025
  • A day before Bao Li and Qing Bao’s send-off, Chinese officials rushed to change the event’s location to a more secluded hotel, likely to prevent a repeat of scenes in June, when a small group of protesters gathered outside the Dujiangyan panda base with banners opposing their transfer.
    Nectar Gan, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near watchword

Cite this Entry

“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchword. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

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