as in watches
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 vigils
According to the lawsuit, faith leaders have been leading prayer vigils at Whipple since at least 2018.
—
Aki Nace, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Some also attend special church services and prayer vigils, or a Good Friday liturgy Friday evening.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Feb. 2026
The latter short, directed by Hilla Medalia, witnesses Tel Aviv’s silent vigils for Gaza’s children, protests marked by posters with beaming faces, and sometimes met with open scorn.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Some also attend special church services and prayer vigils, or a Good Friday liturgy Friday evening.
—Marina Johnson, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026
The beginnings of the visits date back to 2007, when Sisters Pat Murphy and JoAnn Persch started organizing weekly prayer vigils outside the building.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
Prince's death prompted vigils, including one by the trash bins where his body was dumped.
—Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 16 Feb. 2026
The memorials are the site of candlelight vigils and musical performances and draw a regular stream of visitors.
—Jack Brook, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026
The protests filling our streets — chants, whistles, vigils, all-night gatherings — have been unmistakably human.
—Valeng Cha, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
Aki Nace, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Some also attend special church services and prayer vigils, or a Good Friday liturgy Friday evening.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Feb. 2026
The latter short, directed by Hilla Medalia, witnesses Tel Aviv’s silent vigils for Gaza’s children, protests marked by posters with beaming faces, and sometimes met with open scorn.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Some also attend special church services and prayer vigils, or a Good Friday liturgy Friday evening.
—Marina Johnson, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026
The beginnings of the visits date back to 2007, when Sisters Pat Murphy and JoAnn Persch started organizing weekly prayer vigils outside the building.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
Prince's death prompted vigils, including one by the trash bins where his body was dumped.
—Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 16 Feb. 2026
The memorials are the site of candlelight vigils and musical performances and draw a regular stream of visitors.
—Jack Brook, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026
The protests filling our streets — chants, whistles, vigils, all-night gatherings — have been unmistakably human.
—Valeng Cha, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigils
Noun
-
And watches priced over $64,000 (CHF 50,000) are completely dominating the market, making up 89 percent of growth in 2025.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
26 Feb. 2026
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Yet Rolex still has hefty market demands to fulfill; the business currently sells over a million watches every year, a personal best for the luxury brand.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This drive takes you through some of the most scenic spots in California’s Inland Empire area, with plenty of photo opportunities at lookouts like Lake Silverwood Scenic Overlook off State Highway 138.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Feb. 2026
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From the park’s eastern side, try lookouts along the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail, or take a scenic golden-hour ride down Cactus Forest Drive.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Outside,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vigils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigils. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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