Synonyms of vigil

vigil

noun

ˈvi-jəl 

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

• watch
• surveillance
• lookout
• observation
• inspection
• supervision
• observance
• scrutiny

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of vigil

Nobody cared whether the person beside them at a candlelight vigil lived in a red state or a blue state. — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 14 Sep. 2026

The vigils symbolized the civil liberties that set Hong Kong apart from mainland China. — Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2026

The vigils, which drew tens of thousands of people a year, were the only large-scale public commemoration on Chinese soil of the Tiananmen crackdown, discussion of which is heavily censored in mainland China. — Jennifer Jett, NBC news, 11 Sep. 2026

Flags appeared on porches that had never flown them, lines formed at blood banks, donations poured into relief funds, and people of every background stood together at candlelight vigils and interfaith services. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026