watchwords

plural of watchword
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
  • There are so many words in this clue with more than one meaning across contexts.
    — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Dawson turned the feedback into a visual installation featuring hundreds of handwritten words on sticky notes representing the community's hopes and aspirations.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Protesters in Italy and Greece have referenced their French counterparts in their slogans.
    — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Many of today’s young protesters have specifically referenced that heritage in interviews and slogans.
    — Caitlin Dewey, Vox, 19 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In a flatbed truck adorned with SEIU banners and purple and yellow pennants, union leaders addressed a crowd of thousands.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Of all the banners, JD Sports is the most premium, with stores located in key cities and A-malls.
    — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Watchwords.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchwords. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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