Definition of watchwordnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of watchword Low-waste is the watchword, with any small amount of kitchen waste eventually becoming nutrient-rich compost. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026 But in modern English parlance, mantra has come to mean a person or group’s representative phrase, similar to a slogan or a watchword. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026 In many ways, as winners, presenters, and performers echoed that sentiment and turned viewers’ attention to the future—and specifically to future generations—optimism became the watchword of the evening. — Judy Berman, Time, 16 Mar. 2026 Sprinkling in some back-end starters and calling it a day doesn’t seem like his MO after a year on the job, so perhaps patience is the watchword here after all. — Susan Slusser, San Francisco Chronicle, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for watchword
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchword
Noun
  • Their responses were not edited and are in the candidates’ own words.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The best power pop is simple, direct, and memorable, in both words and sound.
    — Jeff Yerger, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • And strength to resist reducing complex human challenges to slogans, enemies, or simple answers.
    — Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The first one, released in 1986, featured Stevie Ray Vaughan playing guitar in front of a huge Texas flag and uttering the now-famous slogan into the camera.
    — Katie Standing, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Sy, who served as artistic producer on previous installments, makes his debut as co-showrunner alongside Louis Leterrier for the show’s fourth part, on top of co-producing it through their joint banner Carrousel Studios.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Mary McLaren and Tom McLaren produced the film through their Next Chapter Entertainment banner.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchword. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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