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 Lisa’s friend Jerien Okoh-Tisch played the cello in her honor at the vigil. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2026 As opposition to the Vietnam War intensified, the joined the weekly silent peace vigil in front of the public library. — Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026 The union held a vigil outside the airport Thursday highlighting Coates’ death in its rallying call for better working conditions and pay. — Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026 On Thursday night, Bass and Los Angeles City Councilmember John Lee honored the five Los Angeles residents at a vigil. — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vigil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigil
  1. watch
  2. surveillance
Noun
  • Parts of the panhandle are now under a hurricane watch or tropical storm watch, and up to 5 feet of storm surge is expected to lash the coast.
    — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Separate Fortune reporting found young shoppers flaunting luxury watches on TikTok and Instagram.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of watch
Noun
  • But even in the consumer technology sphere, other digital surveillance devices pose similar threats to the privacy and well-being of users, especially for women.
    — Sparkle Rainey Tribune News Service, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • But what chance would American soldiers have against a country whose military doctrine has already imagined active resistance in populated areas, backed by citizens who could potentially provide intelligence, surveillance and other forms of support?
    — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of surveillance

Browse Nearby Words

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vigil
vigilance
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Cite this Entry

“Vigil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigil. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vigil

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vigil

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