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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of watchword
In many ways, as winners, presenters, and performers echoed that sentiment and turned viewers’ attention to the future—and specifically to future generations—optimism became the watchword of the evening.
—
Judy Berman, Time, 16 Mar. 2026
Sprinkling in some back-end starters and calling it a day doesn’t seem like his MO after a year on the job, so perhaps patience is the watchword here after all.
—Susan Slusser, San Francisco Chronicle, 5 Jan. 2026
Uncertainty is the watchword, especially with a major Supreme Court ruling on tariffs on the horizon.
—Brian Blank, The Conversation, 29 Dec. 2025
There is a feeling that the American public has about their own finances, about their own wallet, about the idea of affordability, which, of course, has become the watchword.
—ABC News, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for watchword
Judy Berman, Time, 16 Mar. 2026
Sprinkling in some back-end starters and calling it a day doesn’t seem like his MO after a year on the job, so perhaps patience is the watchword here after all.
—Susan Slusser, San Francisco Chronicle, 5 Jan. 2026
Uncertainty is the watchword, especially with a major Supreme Court ruling on tariffs on the horizon.
—Brian Blank, The Conversation, 29 Dec. 2025
There is a feeling that the American public has about their own finances, about their own wallet, about the idea of affordability, which, of course, has become the watchword.
—ABC News, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for watchword
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchword
Noun
-
The game’s objective is to group words or objects into four groups of four based on commonalities within each group as quickly as possible.—
Mark Cooper,
New York Times,
8 June 2026
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Already, attention must be paid, and italics must be used, because eyepatch Armand is, to use his favorite word, fascinating.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
On Monday, hundreds of youths marched to the gates of the air base, chanting anti-Ebola slogans.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 June 2026
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Leaders must focus on evidence communication over slogans or propaganda, using real employee voices, clear expectations and honest, bold or complex examples.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Another document details exactly how to create a Patriot Front banner – down to how to tie the knots affixing the canvas.—
Will Carless,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
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As the ferry slowly pulled into the Ishigaki port on May 29, a group of people waved the Taiwan flag and brandished a banner to welcome the first batch of visitors.—
Wayne Chang,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchword. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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