“Slogan” usually means a short, memorable phrase associated with a brand, campaign, organization, or cause. These alternatives vary in tone and in whether they are commercial, political, personal, or proverbial.
Which Alternative to “Slogan” Fits Best?
Here are 12 options for “Slogan,” with the distinction and a natural example for each.
As a quick guide, Motto, Tagline, Catchphrase, and Strapline cover some of the most common wording choices around “Slogan.” The remaining options are more useful when the sentence calls for a narrower sense, a different register, or a particular grammatical setting. The examples below show those distinctions in ordinary sentences.
- Motto
- Tagline
- Catchphrase
- Strapline
- Catchline
- Rallying cry
- Watchword
- Mantra
- Brand line
- Campaign line
- Signature phrase
- Maxim
Motto
“Motto” can fit the intended meaning when the sentence concerns works when the intended sense of “Slogan” centers on a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion; it may carry a more specific tone or implication.
Example: A writer could choose “Motto” when the surrounding wording points specifically to works when the intended sense of “Slogan” centers on a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion; it may carry a more specific tone or implication.
Tagline
The term “Tagline” is useful when the writer wants to convey overlaps with “Slogan” in contexts involving a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion, but it is not interchangeable in every sentence.
Example: The revised sentence used “Tagline” because the context was really about overlaps with “Slogan” in contexts involving a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion, but it is not interchangeable in every sentence.
Catchphrase
“Catchphrase” may be the better option where “Slogan” is meant in the sense of a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion.
Example: Where the meaning centres on a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion, “Catchphrase” may fit more precisely than “Slogan”.
Strapline
Use “Strapline” when the wording needs to make a useful substitute where “Slogan” refers to a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion, with its exact nuance shaped by the surrounding sentence explicit.
Example: A copy editor might prefer “Strapline” for wording concerned with a useful substitute where “Slogan” refers to a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion, with its exact nuance shaped by the surrounding sentence.
Catchline
“Catchline” works as an alternative to “Slogan” when the relevant meaning is works when the intended sense of “Slogan” centers on a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion; it may carry a more specific tone or implication.
Example: In context, “Catchline” works well when the sentence is describing works when the intended sense of “Slogan” centers on a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion; it may carry a more specific tone or implication.
Rallying cry
Choose “Rallying cry” where the context makes overlaps with “Slogan” in contexts involving a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion, but it is not interchangeable in every sentence more important than the broader wording.
Example: A sentence focused on overlaps with “Slogan” in contexts involving a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion, but it is not interchangeable in every sentence can use “Rallying cry” without simply repeating “Slogan”.
Watchword
“Watchword” can sharpen the sentence when the intended sense is a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion.
Example: The alternative “Watchword” is most useful when a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion is the nuance the writer wants.
Mantra
The wording “Mantra” is defensible when the sentence is about a useful substitute where “Slogan” refers to a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion, with its exact nuance shaped by the surrounding sentence.
Example: A draft about a useful substitute where “Slogan” refers to a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion, with its exact nuance shaped by the surrounding sentence might replace “Slogan” with “Mantra” for greater precision.
Brand line
“Brand line” is useful as a substitute only where the context supports works when the intended sense of “Slogan” centers on a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion; it may carry a more specific tone or implication.
Example: When works when the intended sense of “Slogan” centers on a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion; it may carry a more specific tone or implication is the main idea, “Brand line” can be the cleaner wording choice.
Campaign line
Use “Campaign line” for a sentence that needs to foreground overlaps with “Slogan” in contexts involving a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion, but it is not interchangeable in every sentence.
Example: The wording “Campaign line” suits a sentence in which the emphasis falls on overlaps with “Slogan” in contexts involving a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion, but it is not interchangeable in every sentence.
Signature phrase
“Signature phrase” can express the relevant part of “Slogan” when the topic is a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion.
Example: A writer comparing near-synonyms might choose “Signature phrase” for the sense involving a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion.
Maxim
Choose “Maxim” when the context calls for wording centred on a useful substitute where “Slogan” refers to a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion, with its exact nuance shaped by the surrounding sentence.
Example: In an edited sentence, “Maxim” can carry the part of “Slogan” connected with a useful substitute where “Slogan” refers to a short memorable phrase used for identity, promotion, or persuasion, with its exact nuance shaped by the surrounding sentence.
Choosing the Right Wording for “Slogan”
“Tagline,” “strapline,” and “brand line” are common in marketing. “Rallying cry” and “watchword” suit causes or movements, while “motto,” “mantra,” and “maxim” can express broader guiding principles.