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 McGregor’s victim, Darius Brazell, was a 55-year-old handyman so beloved in the community that mourners risked a rare public gathering to hold a vigil for him during the COVID-19 pandemic in August 2020. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 The special nighttime ceremony will feature two light columns representing the Twin Towers, a candlelight vigil, a musical tribute including the Dundee-Crown High School marching band and guest speakers. — Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026 All the police will find is a crowd sitting in silent vigil and a bottle of olive oil for anointing the ill. — Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 2026 The Sacramento Ukrainian community has also maintained a monthly vigil at the State Capitol. — James Taylor, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vigil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigil
  1. watch
  2. surveillance
Noun
  • The watch is for Alamance, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Edgecombe, Forsyth, Franklin, Granville, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Nash, Orange, Person, Randolph, Stanly, Vance, Wake, Warren, Wayne and Wilson counties.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Participants — a group of 58 people (31 women, 27 men) ranging in age from 18 to 50 — wore all four watches and the COSMED metabolic analyzer simultaneously while exercising on a stationary bike at an FIU lab.
    — Michelle Marchante September 4, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of watch
Noun
  • Data from the South Cook County Mosquito Abatement District’s mosquito surveillance dashboard shows Calumet City, Chicago Ridge, Harvey, Orland Park and Thorton are current hotspots.
    — Elena Tittel, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • People were seen in devastating surveillance footage fleeing for their lives as the deluge struck.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 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 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vigil

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vigil

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