1. guiding principles or slogans that express the beliefs or aims of a person or group
Usage: plural form of watchword
2. passwords or secret words used for identification or access
Usage: military or security context

Examples

• Freedom and justice became the watchwords of the civil rights movement.
• The company’s watchwords are innovation, quality, and customer service.
• Efficiency and teamwork are our watchwords this quarter.
• The soldiers were given new watchwords before entering the secure area.
• Transparency and accountability should be the watchwords of good government.
• The guards changed the watchwords every night for security reasons.