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
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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
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
Maybe Volvo can move forward having both safety and premium design as watchwords for the marque without stepping on Polestar’s toes.
—Alex Goy, WIRED, 29 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for watchword
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
Maybe Volvo can move forward having both safety and premium design as watchwords for the marque without stepping on Polestar’s toes.
—Alex Goy, WIRED, 29 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for watchword
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchword
Noun
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His sentences stopped making sense, then his words.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
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Some teachers have pushed back against the changes to reading instruction, which place a greater emphasis on phonics and discourage the use of context clues to guess at words.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Golden Lessons for Brands Everywhere Briggs & Riley’s enduring success offers critical lessons that reach far beyond the luggage sector on the importance of delivering on brand promise: Substance wins over slogan.—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
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If space were truly empty—an utter vacuum, devoid of any matter—then yes, the Alien slogan would be unquestionably correct.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Producers also include Angi Bones and Tony Strickland under the Tyler Perry Studios banner.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
24 Apr. 2025
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Tony will be written by Todd Bartels and Lou Howe, while Tim White and Trevor White (King Richard, No One Will Save You) are producing under their Star Thrower banner alongside A24.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchword. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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