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.
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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
-
Every sentence has extra nuance, so stay aware of your word choice.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Mostly Mute Monday tells an astronomical story in images, visuals, and no more than 200 words.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Protesters chanted anti-American and anti-Israel slogans, and attempted to breach the consulate’s perimeter.—
Mitch Picasso,
FOXNews.com,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Shiites also held a peaceful rally in Multan, a city in Punjab province, chanting slogans against Israel and the United States.—
Adil Jawad,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
These signups and banner ads aren’t typically blocked by standard pop-up blockers.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
4 Mar. 2026
-
The President’s unpopularity looks increasingly likely to cost the Party in November, but, so far, Republicans in these races are still running under the MAGA banner.—
Ian Crouch,
New Yorker,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchword. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.
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