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watchword Definition

watch·word (--wʉrd′)

noun

  1. a password, or countersign
  2. a word or phrase embodying a principle or precept, esp. one used as the slogan or cry of a group or party

watchword Synonyms

watchword

n.

cue, countersign, signal; see password, sign 1.

watchword Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • become: Fire exclusion became the watchword in attempts to restore wilderness.
  • remain: But grit remained the overriding watchword, summed up by 1960's " A Night Out " , Harold Pinter's debut TV work.
  • give: Dio says she put on a sword, gave watchword, harangued soldiers.

Adjective modifier

  • new: Sustainability: the new watchword The UK governmentâs latest budget announced a number of measures that should improve regulation in the industry.
  • main: Technique was perhaps the main watchword through the year.
  • overriding: But grit remained the overriding watchword, summed up by 1960's " A Night Out " , Harold Pinter's debut TV work.
  • key: The key watchwords in these changes will be partnership, leadership and responsibility.
  • great: The laisser-faire doctrine, coming down to us from the system of natural liberty, was long the great watchword of economic orthodoxy.

Possessives

  • company: Design has become the company's watchword, with design teams going as far as to suggest future production scenarios.

Preposition: of

  • revolution: What were the watchwords of the French Revolution of 1789?
  • government: The motto, or watchword of government, on these occasions, ought to be - Be quiet.
  • enlightenment: Thus the watchword of the Enlightenment is: Sapere aude!
  • policy: Now is the moment for prudence to be joined by patience as the watchwords of economic policy.
  • day: In the US, the educational watchword of the day is " high standards " ( Slide 2 ).

Preposition: for

  • future: Present security concerns around electronic voting and fraud are acknowledged in the report, but the watchword for the future of voting is âchoiceâ .