What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
motto
Example
The school's motto is 'Knowledge is power.' [motto: noun]
Example
My personal motto is 'Never give up on your dreams.' [motto: noun]
Example
The company's motto is 'Quality over quantity.' [motto: noun]
watchword
Example
The soldiers used the watchword 'Eagle' to identify themselves to each other. [watchword: noun]
Example
The watchword of the environmental movement is 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.' [watchword: noun]
Example
The coach's watchword for the team was 'Never give up.' [watchword: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Motto is more commonly used than watchword in everyday language, especially in organizational or personal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between motto and watchword?
Motto is generally considered more formal than watchword, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.