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
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of watchword
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
The watchwords should be patience, gradualism, and tailored responses: enhancing effective governance through a variety of models attuned to local patterns and needs, in advisory and supportive ways.
—Michael J. Mazarr, Foreign Affairs, 6 Dec. 2013
See All Example Sentences for watchword
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
The watchwords should be patience, gradualism, and tailored responses: enhancing effective governance through a variety of models attuned to local patterns and needs, in advisory and supportive ways.
—Michael J. Mazarr, Foreign Affairs, 6 Dec. 2013
See All Example Sentences for watchword
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchword
Noun
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Asked at the time by The Athletic to explain the decision to leave Enciso out, Hurzeler did not mince his words.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
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With words like these, act fast on this deal!—
George Yang,
PC Magazine,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Avoid reducing culture to slogans or values campaigns that don’t connect to daily work.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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Again is not just a slogan, but a promise.—
Barbara Sprunt,
NPR,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The project was also an effective banner for the Nongame Wildlife Fund, which has since raised more than $13 million.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
3 Sep. 2025
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Looking to begin their title defense, the Eagles are already closing the door on last year’s success and won’t watch their newest banner be hung.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchword. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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