vigil

noun

ˈvi-jəl How to pronounce vigil (audio)
Definition of vigilnext
as in watch
an act or period of watching for signs of activity, danger, or opportunity kept vigil at their ailing son's bedside the entire time he was in the hospital

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of vigil Bend residents gathered for vigils as classes were canceled across the area’s 32 schools. — Haven Daley, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 Rabbi Gidon Isaacs speaks during a vigil to honor of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks in Israel at the Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana in Munster, Indiana Wednesday October 7, 2026. — Jim Masters, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 After the vigil, Mamdani dined at Palestinian restaurant Ayat on the Upper West Side. — Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026 The public vigil for Noel will be held near the inclusive playground at Clyde Pittman Park that bears his name, according to the release. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vigil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigil
  1. watch
  2. surveillance
Noun
  • Citi adds a positive watch on SpaceX The firm said SpaceX is firing on all cylinders following earnings.
    — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Altogether 228,000 additional Swiss watches were exported in September versus August.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of watch
Noun
  • Cellphone records and surveillance footage helped investigators track Fagan’s movements.
    — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Police said surveillance video showed one of the shooters chase down and fire at one of the victims, then both suspects were seen climbing privacy fences along Lockridge Avenue, according to court documents.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of surveillance

Browse Nearby Words

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vigil
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Cite this Entry

“Vigil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigil. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vigil

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