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
That last term, relatability, is the watchword of almost all Swiftology—understandably enough.
—
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
Across Europe, strategic autonomy is the new watchword.
—Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2025
Whatever the structure of your network, security is the watchword.
—Al Kingsley Mbe, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Balance, rather than tilting too far in one direction, should be the watchword.
—Richard Fontaine, Foreign Affairs, 2 Nov. 2021
See All Example Sentences for watchword
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
Across Europe, strategic autonomy is the new watchword.
—Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2025
Whatever the structure of your network, security is the watchword.
—Al Kingsley Mbe, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Balance, rather than tilting too far in one direction, should be the watchword.
—Richard Fontaine, Foreign Affairs, 2 Nov. 2021
See All Example Sentences for watchword
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchword
Noun
-
Mostly Mute Monday tells an astronomical story in images, visuals, and no more than 200 words.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
23 Mar. 2026
-
March 21 – April 19 Speak what matters without rushing your words.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Instead, a different Rubio emerged, one who appeared to see the world through the lens of America’s top diplomat, rather than a politician winning votes through anti-Castro slogans.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
24 Mar. 2026
-
In the Niger Delta, the answer is not a slogan or a scheme.—
Noo Saro-Wiwa,
The Dial,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Yet the low points were problematic for a program that measures itself by marquee wins and banners.—
Aaron Beard,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Mar. 2026
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In addition to Mac, Jackie Cohn executive produces through the former’s More Better Productions banner.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchword. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.
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