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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of watchword
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
Heritage and good-quality produce are also the watchwords of Locanda Contadina, a small bistro that debuted in September in the heart of the centro storico.
—Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for watchword
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
Heritage and good-quality produce are also the watchwords of Locanda Contadina, a small bistro that debuted in September in the heart of the centro storico.
—Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for watchword
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchword
Noun
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The words take on an emotional second meaning after Todd's death, playing like a farewell message from the actor himself, and that's not by accident.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
18 May 2025
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Read every single word, as there will be a pop quiz this week to test your knowledge.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
Noun
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Purpose is often treated like a slogan, something catchy to put on a website or slide deck.—
Filomena Di Luise,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
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Instead of the program providing a national model, the AMA adopted the CMA’s political tactics and slogans to help defeat the national single payer proposal.—
Time,
Time,
6 May 2025
Noun
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Schoolchildren marched proudly with banners and flags.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
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In a sport that was first sanctioned by the CIF San Diego Section in 2002, the Islanders had hung three section championship banners coming into the season.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchword. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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