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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of watchword
That last term, relatability, is the watchword of almost all Swiftology—understandably enough.
—
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
Across Europe, strategic autonomy is the new watchword.
—Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2025
Whatever the structure of your network, security is the watchword.
—Al Kingsley Mbe, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Balance, rather than tilting too far in one direction, should be the watchword.
—Richard Fontaine, Foreign Affairs, 2 Nov. 2021
See All Example Sentences for watchword
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
Across Europe, strategic autonomy is the new watchword.
—Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2025
Whatever the structure of your network, security is the watchword.
—Al Kingsley Mbe, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Balance, rather than tilting too far in one direction, should be the watchword.
—Richard Fontaine, Foreign Affairs, 2 Nov. 2021
See All Example Sentences for watchword
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchword
Noun
-
Mostly Mute Monday tells an astronomical story in images, visuals, and no more than 200 words.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Each puzzle has exactly one solution, so watch out for words or items that seem to belong to multiple categories!—
Mark Cooper,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In her hometown of Nara, souvenir shops sell towels emblazoned with her slogans, key chains, stationery, even cookies bearing her likeness alongside that of her political idol, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
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Each year, brands seem to outdo themselves with bigger celebrities, funnier advertisements and catchier slogans.—
Jason Pham,
StyleCaster,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Financing and production banner Jovera Pictures has hired former eOne Vice President of Film Rainer Grupe to its team.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2026
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So what has gone wrong at a program that has not finished with a losing record since 2010, and that has hung a Big Ten title banner in four of the previous five seasons?—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchword. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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