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
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
Clearly, 3) temperamental caution remains the watchword.
—Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 22 Apr. 2025
Disobedience was, in certain respects, the watchword of all his work.
—Nikil Saval, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for watchword
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
Clearly, 3) temperamental caution remains the watchword.
—Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 22 Apr. 2025
Disobedience was, in certain respects, the watchword of all his work.
—Nikil Saval, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for watchword
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchword
Noun
-
Published in English, French, and German, the letters can range from a few hundred to 1,500 words, depending on how feisty Karp is feeling.—
Jessica Mathews,
Fortune,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Since their 23-9 win Sunday against the Browns, the Steelers have not minced words when describing the playing surface for the game.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Gillmor disagreed with Jain’s characterization of the money being expended on the logo and slogan.—
Grace Hase,
Mercury News,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Cultural resonance isn’t a slogan.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
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At a meeting last month, after hearing from residents, city commissioners set aside the flag-raising idea and instead agreed to display a more neutral banner honoring all victims of the war, to light up City Hall and to hold an interfaith vigil.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
15 Oct. 2025
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Award-winning Nigerian actress Adesua Etomi-Wellington (The Wedding Party) will lead the cast as the voice of Malika and serves as Executive Producer, alongside Impact X Studios’ Erica Motley and Okupe via his YouNeek Studios banner.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchword. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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