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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of watchword
The word quickly morphed into a theme for Harris and other Democrats, and has a chance to be a watchword of the undoubtably weird 2024 election.
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Steve Karnowski, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2024
Rehabilitation became the watchword of D.C.’s juvenile justice system.
—Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 3 Aug. 2024
Traceability is the watchword of the coming decade for fashion and the textile sector.
—Fairchild Studio, WWD, 24 June 2024
At a time when India was becoming a watchword for democratic backsliding, the election will begin to repair the damage that has been done under Modi to the country’s global reputation.
—Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Foreign Affairs, 14 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for watchword 
Steve Karnowski, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2024
Rehabilitation became the watchword of D.C.’s juvenile justice system.
—Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 3 Aug. 2024
Traceability is the watchword of the coming decade for fashion and the textile sector.
—Fairchild Studio, WWD, 24 June 2024
At a time when India was becoming a watchword for democratic backsliding, the election will begin to repair the damage that has been done under Modi to the country’s global reputation.
—Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Foreign Affairs, 14 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for watchword
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchword
Noun
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Corcoran delivered his final words before taking his last breath.Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024
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As households witnessed their utility bills drop—sometimes by nearly 90% according to Miller—word spread that the people going door to door were here to help.Marina Lopes, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Initial slogans at the time called for regime change.Dominique Soguel, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Dec. 2024
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Or, to update that 1960s slogan—lifestyle personalities are political.Tony Peters, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Expect an open floor plan featuring wooden wall paneling, custom quilts, and warm lighting, as well as artful tiling under the interior design banner of Isaac Brest, with furniture sourced by Michael Bargo.Vogue, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2024
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Tap the banner and enjoy the compilation of playlists and stats from your Spotify Wrapped!Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 5 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near watchword
Cite this Entry
“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchword. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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