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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of watchword
The two watchwords of your selection process should be rigorous and fast.
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Bruce Tulgan, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
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.
—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
See all Example Sentences for watchword 
Bruce Tulgan, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
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.
—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
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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If all four words are correctly placed into each set, those words will be removed from the board.Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Over the course of two days, Branch gained support online with the slogan #WeBackAGBranch, and people were asked to text their delegates and tell them to vote no on the legislation.Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 17 Dec. 2024
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Nevertheless, it-girls from far and wide — and their stylists — flock to her shop for ultra-miniskirts, ultra-specific slogan tees and everything in between.Bailey Richards, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
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James Gunn appears to be taking the DC Universe in a solid new direction with the first film under the new DCU banner.Erik Kain, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
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Advertisement As the years pass, those banners hanging inside Pauley Pavilion fade like the memories of those championships.Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near watchword
Cite this Entry
“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchword. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
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