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
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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
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
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
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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Knueppel beamed slightly when those words were relayed to him.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Jan. 2026
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However, the application must only include a 500-word description of the idea and an informal video that is no longer than three minutes summarizing the idea.—
Angela George,
Sioux Falls Argus Leader,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Protesters attend a march to the US consulate during a demonstration, under the slogan 'Greenland belongs to the Greenlandic people', in Nuuk, Greenland, on March 15, 2025.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
9 Jan. 2026
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Videos posted on social media virtually every night have shown crowds of protesters marching through the streets of various Iranian cities, chanting anti-government slogans and clashing with the country's security forces in some cases.—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Participants filled the streets in the area — some holding candles or anti-ICE banners, others tying flowers to nearby street poles.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
8 Jan. 2026
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To generate the report, Dunnhumby analyzed customer and financial data for the 81 largest supermarket, discount, superstore, club and online banners in the nation, including perceptions of retailers' value.—
Chad Murphy,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchword. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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