watchword

Noun

Meaning

A word given to sentinels, and to such as have occasion to visit the guards, used as a signal by which a friend is known from an enemy, or a person who has a right to pass the watch from one who has not; a countersign; a password.

A sentiment or motto; esp., one used as a rallying cry or a signal for action.

Source: Webster's dictionary

Synonyms

maxim beacon word signal moto open sesame shibboleth saying sign formula phrase slogan password motto banner
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Antonyms

enigma action move movement act issue
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Hypernyms

shibboleth arcanum secret slogan motto catchword

Examples

Hodges (1990, p.32) notes, 'Economy was a watchword. Source: Internet

Eternal vigilance will have to be the watchword. Source: Internet

So that if all those issued are returned, the tribune knows that the watchword has been given to all the maniples, and has passed through all on its way back to him. Source: Internet

"Failure is impossible" quickly became a watchword for the women's movement. Source: Internet

Keeper of the watchword, administrative assistant to HQ Staff, third in command of a century. Source: Internet

President Woodrow Wilson (a Presbyterian), promised "a war to end all wars," using language of a future peace that had been a watchword for the postmillennial movement. citation In the 1930s many Methodists favored isolationist policies. Source: Internet

Close letter words and terms

Watchuset Watchusett watchwoman watchwork water water absorbency