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
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Recent Examples of vigils
Berg pointed out that thousands of residents gathered at vigils and solidarity events, provided support for Israel and South Florida itself became a safe haven for displaced Israelis.
—
Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2025
But local groups that hold vigils, advocate for immigrants or protest methods of immigration enforcement say their goal is to make sure that all people are treated equally and fairly under the law.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Sep. 2025
Huntington Beach joined in flying flags at half staff and saw multiple community vigils form.
—Claire Wang, Oc Register, 24 Sep. 2025
Witnesses and neighbors later gathered at vigils, describing him as a kind man devoted to his family.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
When curfew was relaxed for a few hours every day, youths cleaned the streets, visited hospitals to check upon the injured and held candlelight vigils for protesters who'd lost their lives.
—Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 20 Sep. 2025
His case attracted national attention, with supporters raising money, holding vigils and keeping his case in the spotlight.
—Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Sep. 2025
The event, organized by Wisconsin Young Republicans, was one of many vigils and services around the country held in honor of Kirk.
—Mary Spicuzza, jsonline.com, 17 Sep. 2025
The announcement comes as hundreds of vigils at universities have been held across the country in Kirk’s memory, with conservative leaders launching similar efforts to memorialize him.
—Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2025
But local groups that hold vigils, advocate for immigrants or protest methods of immigration enforcement say their goal is to make sure that all people are treated equally and fairly under the law.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Sep. 2025
Huntington Beach joined in flying flags at half staff and saw multiple community vigils form.
—Claire Wang, Oc Register, 24 Sep. 2025
Witnesses and neighbors later gathered at vigils, describing him as a kind man devoted to his family.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
When curfew was relaxed for a few hours every day, youths cleaned the streets, visited hospitals to check upon the injured and held candlelight vigils for protesters who'd lost their lives.
—Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 20 Sep. 2025
His case attracted national attention, with supporters raising money, holding vigils and keeping his case in the spotlight.
—Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Sep. 2025
The event, organized by Wisconsin Young Republicans, was one of many vigils and services around the country held in honor of Kirk.
—Mary Spicuzza, jsonline.com, 17 Sep. 2025
The announcement comes as hundreds of vigils at universities have been held across the country in Kirk’s memory, with conservative leaders launching similar efforts to memorialize him.
—Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigils
Noun
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Winter storm watches are in place across parts of the northern Rockies for possibly several inches of snowfall over the weekend.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
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Wisconsin weather watches and warnings What is a heat advisory?—
Brandi D. Addison,
jsonline.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
According to the organization’s shutdown contingency plan, park roads, lookouts, trails and open air memorials will remain accessible to visitors.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Oct. 2025
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Park roads, lookouts, trails and open-air memorials are directed to stay open; however, buildings and facilities that generally remain locked during business hours, such as visitor centers, will remain closed.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vigils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigils. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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