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.
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Recent Examples of watchword
Community engagement has become a watchword among city planners and architects, a necessary prelude to the construction of public projects.
—
Justin Davidson, Curbed, 5 May 2025
Responding to the precariousness of our moment, museums have reified the problem with an unfortunate watchword: relevance.
—Eric Crosby, Artforum, 1 May 2025
Despite four wins in Madrid, frustration appears to be a watchword for Świątek right now.
—Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
The watchwords should be patience, gradualism, and tailored responses: enhancing effective governance through a variety of models attuned to local patterns and needs, in advisory and supportive ways.
—Michael J. Mazarr, Foreign Affairs, 6 Dec. 2013
See All Example Sentences for watchword
Justin Davidson, Curbed, 5 May 2025
Responding to the precariousness of our moment, museums have reified the problem with an unfortunate watchword: relevance.
—Eric Crosby, Artforum, 1 May 2025
Despite four wins in Madrid, frustration appears to be a watchword for Świątek right now.
—Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
The watchwords should be patience, gradualism, and tailored responses: enhancing effective governance through a variety of models attuned to local patterns and needs, in advisory and supportive ways.
—Michael J. Mazarr, Foreign Affairs, 6 Dec. 2013
See All Example Sentences for watchword
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchword
Noun
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But Emery’s words about passing too quickly do bear resonance.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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Many criticized that Bell's words seemed to downplay domestic violence, which was particularly offensive during Domestic Violence Awareness month.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The show is held to call attention to exactly what L'Oréal Paris stands for (and embodies in its slogan) — being worth it.—
Hedy Phillips,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
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The offering ranged from fun slogan T-shirts and loose linen separates to lavish evening gowns and jewelry.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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On an evening which began with the celebration of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s title victory – with players receiving their championship rings and a banner being raised to the rafters of Paycom Center – fans were treated to two exciting games.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
22 Oct. 2025
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An Overland Park church’s message of inclusivity and love towards members of the LGBTQ+ community in the form of an outdoor banner has been repeatedly torn down, ripped apart and stolen from its property for years, a church leader says.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchword. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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