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
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Recent Examples of vigil
On Friday night, about 20 people, including Police Chief Ray Sweeney and other officers, gathered for a candlelight vigil at the Pink Rose Cafe in downtown La Mesa to honor the officer.
—
Kristina Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2025
The vigil was held by the Interfaith Coalition of the Treasure Valley, at the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial.
—Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2025
Far from easy-breezy activism Going on their 13th week, the vigils are peaceful prayer circles lead by a different Florida pastor each week and are open to anyone, regardless of their faith.
—Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
Protester Gala King participated in an interfaith vigil against the federal crackdown and in support of immigrants.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vigil
Kristina Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2025
The vigil was held by the Interfaith Coalition of the Treasure Valley, at the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial.
—Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2025
Far from easy-breezy activism Going on their 13th week, the vigils are peaceful prayer circles lead by a different Florida pastor each week and are open to anyone, regardless of their faith.
—Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
Protester Gala King participated in an interfaith vigil against the federal crackdown and in support of immigrants.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vigil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigil
Noun
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If there is a potential for temperatures to fall into these thresholds, a freeze watch may be issued a few days ahead of time.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
2 Nov. 2025
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Television cameras showed Schneider tapping at the watch on his wrist before throwing his arms up in apparent anger.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The institute also launched a wastewater surveillance project, geared at monitoring and anticipating disease trends in communities.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
26 Oct. 2025
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In backrooms, there was none of the surveillance tech that reputable casinos use to catch players cheating.—
Rob Wile,
NBC news,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vigil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigil. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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