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
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
The aesthetic watchword for this film meant that, in every respect, the creative team wanted to combine '60s period details with sci-fi imagination.
—EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for watchword
Eric Crosby, Artforum, 1 May 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
The aesthetic watchword for this film meant that, in every respect, the creative team wanted to combine '60s period details with sci-fi imagination.
—EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for watchword
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchword
Noun
-
Yellow: The letter is in the word, but in the wrong spot.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Guides can help first-time visitors navigate the word soup.—
Robin Catalano,
Robb Report,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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For example, a sales executive presenting to a technical team might use more precise data and fewer marketing slogans.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Millions of dollars are reportedly being spent on posters, rallies, promotional merchandise and anti-U.S. slogans.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The actor will join Henry Cavill and Russell Crowe in the action fantasy, which hails from Amazon MGM’s United Artists banner and is slated to get a theatrical release.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Aug. 2025
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Robert and Michelle King will write and serve as executive producers under their banner, King Size Productions.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchword. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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