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
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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
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Recent Examples of watchword
The aesthetic watchword for this film meant that, in every respect, the creative team wanted to combine '60s period details with sci-fi imagination.
—
EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Now that it’s done, with relatively few on the left genuinely shocked by Trump’s win, accommodation and acceptance are the new watchwords.
—Ross Barkan, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Growth is the watchword as the filmmakers also weave in stories (well, folktales) from Norwegian traditions concerned with the Norns, a trio of Norse deities believed to be responsible for the shaping of human destiny and tasked with caring for Yggdrasill, the tree at the center of everything.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025
Opulent is the watchword here, as the skyscrapers will host just one large and light-filled residence each per floor.
—Adam Williams, New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for watchword
EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Now that it’s done, with relatively few on the left genuinely shocked by Trump’s win, accommodation and acceptance are the new watchwords.
—Ross Barkan, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Growth is the watchword as the filmmakers also weave in stories (well, folktales) from Norwegian traditions concerned with the Norns, a trio of Norse deities believed to be responsible for the shaping of human destiny and tasked with caring for Yggdrasill, the tree at the center of everything.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025
Opulent is the watchword here, as the skyscrapers will host just one large and light-filled residence each per floor.
—Adam Williams, New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for watchword
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchword
Noun
-
Letters are limited to less than 250 words and must be signed (no pseudonyms nor initials).You must include your email address, address with city and daytime phone number for verification.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 May 2025
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Proof that actions speak louder than words: last week, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez took Inter Miami’s squad to task over a streak of bad results.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
Noun
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Trump nominated Kennedy to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Kennedy has since continued to use the slogan for government initiatives.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
29 May 2025
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And it won’t be fixed by a new training module or a polished slogan.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
The Stars gave themselves a chance to do something special, and reaching three straight Western Conference Finals is an accomplishment, but this is a team whose mark will not feature a single banner.—
Mac Engel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 May 2025
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Stiller will produce with and John Lesher via their Red Hour Films banner.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchword. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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