1
as in words
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 slogans
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchwords
Noun
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The two appeared to exchange words while walking toward security, with Richardson still nudging him and appearing to reach for his face.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026 -
Still, his words require considerable decoding.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Instead, it’s funneled into systems that are long on slogans and short on accountability.—
Jennifer Nassour,
Boston Herald,
27 Jan. 2026
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Its billboards featured slogans in English, unlike the Filipino ones at ground level.—
Sean Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Meanwhile, chants rippled across the crowd of Angelenos, some of whom waved American and California flags and banners from Mexico and Palestine.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2026
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Security personnel typically clean up flags, banners and signs that demonstrators leave behind at the embassy, the spokesperson added, explaining that security staff do not generally prohibit the placing of such items.—
Mariam Khan,
ABC News,
28 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Watchwords.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchwords. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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