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 Obergefell, like many other who are concerned about the Supreme Court's conservative majority, takes little comfort in their words.—
Jason Lemon,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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Swayer is a spoken word poet and this is clear in her verse that is melodic on the page.—
Amber McBride,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Polls are beginning to report early results with Sheffield in the lead by 75% and Kinloch at 24%, though Kinloch’s supporters are enthusiastically calling for his win and waving fans with his campaign slogan.—
Dana Afana,
Freep.com,
5 Nov. 2025
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Fresh thinking is not just a slogan at RISE Capital; it’s built into every aspect of the company’s service.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Along with producers Gellar, Zhao and the Zuckermans, Dolly Parton is returning as an executive producer on the series after producing the original under her Sandollar banner.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
5 Nov. 2025
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The trade show’s organizer said the project stems from its expertise in the fragrance world with its banner Pitti Fragranze fair.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchword. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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