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 On Wednesday night, Gov. Tim Walz, his wife, Gwen, and hundreds of other mourners attended a candlelight vigil for the Hortmans at the state Capitol. Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 20 June 2025 According to the reports, loved ones gathered for a vigil on June 10. Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 12 June 2025 Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, left, speaks at a candlelight vigil on June 10 in the city, while California Governor Gavin Newsom, right, is pictured during a news conference at Gemperle Orchard on April 16 in Ceres, California. Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025 At a candlelight vigil for the victims in Graz's main square late on Tuesday night people gathered, trying to make sense of what appears to be the most senseless of acts. Tom Soufi Burridge, ABC News, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for vigil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigil
Noun
  • In early February, Olivier Giroud, the French striker who plays for Los Angeles FC, had his home targeted and $500,000 worth of jewelry and watches stolen, sources said.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
  • Jeannie was already glancing with impatience at her watch.
    Helen Schulman, The Atlantic, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Though the method of attack wasn’t revealed, an investigation found the hacker had obtained call and location data from the attache’s phone and surveillance video Mexico City's camera system.
    Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Police said the crime scene remains active as detectives continue seeking witnesses, video surveillance and other evidence.
    Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vigil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigil. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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