Synonyms of vigils

vigils

noun

plural of vigil

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• watches
• lookouts
• surveillances
• observations
• observances
• inspections
• supervisions
• scrutinies

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of vigils

On Sunday evening, hundreds of people gathered in the cities of Caracas and Maracaibo to hold vigils in the name of those who have died and the tens of thousands who remain missing. — Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 6 July 2026

The backdrop for protests, vigils, celebrations and stunning sunrise photos. — ABC News, 27 June 2026

The community rallied with vigils and blood drives, prayers and performances. — Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026

Hundreds of people stood in line for hours to give blood, and people held candles and hugged strangers at vigils. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2026

The pontiff has been packing out stadiums and plazas for prayer vigils and Masses, while the Puerto Rican rapper has been holding his party-style mega-concerts in front of tens of thousands. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 10 June 2026

The vigils started in August, organized by Noelle Damico, a United Church of Christ minister, to bear witness and bring attention to the inhumane conditions at the facility. — Eric Schlosser, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026

Her remains were found in a drainage ditch Saturday, a week after her disappearance, as vigils in her home province erupted into clashes with police. — Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026

The shooting sparked protests and vigils outside the store in the days following Cyrus’ death. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026