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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As, no doubt, will Wrexham fans reading those words.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026 -
Ross has said that $65 million in federal funding that would be vulnerable if the city did not act, and that the city had already lost a $50,000 grant because words implying inclusion were used.—
Emily Holshouser,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Numerous Indian army camps thus dot these mountains, where slogans of guns and glory are scrawled on their walls.—
Omkar Khandekar,
NPR,
17 Feb. 2026
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And familiarity, more than lectures or slogans, is what builds acceptance.—
Tiffany Hodges,
Sun Sentinel,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But one of the bills could also prevent local governments from flying banners celebrating things like 4-H or high school graduates.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
10 Feb. 2026
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On great banners overhead, the Jaguars' lank-haired quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, looks on impassively, his vibe somewhere between ’90s skate slacker and chisel-jawed jock.—
Toby Skinner,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Watchwords.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchwords. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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